The World Cup faces accusations of being 'rigged' after Lionel Messi avoided a red card during Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J. The 38-year-old captain appeared to plant his studs on the right leg of Algeria defender Aissa Mandi, leaving the Lille player clutching his calf. Messi did not even receive a yellow card for the challenge, which occurred minutes after he scored Argentina's first goal of the tournament.
Social Media Erupts Over Controversial Decision
Fans on social media expressed outrage, with one user on X stating: "It's so obvious that FIFA is going to protect Messi again this World Cup. That should have easily been a red card. Expect the same with Ronaldo. It's going to be rigged for them to play against each other." Another added: "There's no way this isn't a red card. Even Messi himself realised the blunder he made. They didn't even give him a yellow." A third commented: "Nah, this is a clear RED card for Messi. Almost broke this man's leg. Blame the ref and VAR. Clear red card for Messi."
Pundits Agree: Red Card Was Warranted
Several pundits also believed it should have been a sending-off. Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha said on ESPN: "It probably should have been a red card. It feels like the moment was missed. When the player was on the floor, you could see Messi had a level of concern towards him because he knew that he potentially had just done something there that could get him in trouble. I think the referee's probably missed it, and I understand why the referee's missed it, but for the video assistant referee to look at that and say 'nah, that's all fine, there's nothing more to it', I personally think that is worthy of a red card."
Fellow pundit Ale Moreno agreed: "100% a red card for Lionel Messi. It should have been. I tell you what else is concerning, it plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment. It plays into the narrative that these guys get a different sort of treatment." Moreno questioned why referee Szymon Marciniak was not called to review the incident: "As much as I love Lionel Messi, that was a clumsy challenge, a bad challenge, you're raking the back of someone's calf all the way up from the knee down to the ankle. Should have been a red card."
Messi's Hat-Trick Overshadowed
Messi went on to score a hat-trick, his first in a World Cup, but the controversy over his continued involvement dominated post-match discussion. Argentina's victory was marred by allegations of preferential treatment for the game's biggest stars.
