The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's escape from a red card during Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria has escalated, with former Premier League referee Mark Halsey demanding an explanation from FIFA.
Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory, but the incident occurred early in the match when he stamped on the back of Aissa Mandi's leg. The Algerian player was left writhing in pain, and Messi immediately raised his hands in apology. However, the referee allowed him to stay on the pitch without even a yellow card.
Halsey Criticizes Decision
Speaking to the Sun, Halsey argued that the challenge endangered the player's safety and should have resulted in a straight red card for violent conduct. He said: "The referee, Marciniak, was in an excellent position and I thought he refereed the game very well. But when you look at the incident, Messi did endanger the player's safety."
Halsey noted that the ball was not within playing distance, so it could not be considered serious foul play. Instead, he classified it as a stamp, which constitutes violent conduct. He expressed surprise that VAR did not recommend a review, especially given that a similar incident in the opening game between Mexico and South Africa led to a VAR review.
"For me, that was never, ever violent conduct and VAR should not have gotten involved in that incident. But they get involved in that incident and they don't get involved in this incident. It's absolutely barmy," Halsey added.
Call for FIFA Explanation
Halsey called on FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina to provide an explanation for why Messi escaped punishment. He said: "Did that challenge endanger the player's safety? For me, I think that it did. If you ask any player that's played the game, when someone rakes their studs down the back of your calf, that could put you out for a long time."
He emphasized that the identity of the player should not influence the decision. "Whoever the player is, that should not come into it. I'd like to hear Collina's version of that incident when they come out and do their press conference," Halsey concluded.
Messi went on to score two more goals, securing a comfortable win for Argentina and putting them in control of Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan.
