Algeria has lodged an official complaint with FIFA over what it describes as refereeing injustices during its opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Argentina.
The complaint centres on an incident involving Argentine captain Lionel Messi, who escaped a red card after catching Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge in the 30th minute of the match.
According to reports, a source within the Algerian Football Federation says the challenge warranted a sending-off, but the referee only awarded a free kick and did not show Messi a card.
The source also raises concerns over two separate elbow incidents during the match, claiming they too should have resulted in dismissals.
The source says Algeria is not disputing Argentina's quality but cannot remain silent in the face of what it views as unfair officiating.
Argentina went on to secure a 3-0 victory, with Messi scoring a hat-trick that saw the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner equal the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring record of 16 goals.
Algeria now turns its attention to its next Group J clash against Jordan on Tuesday at 5am before facing Austria in its final pool match next Sunday at 2pm.
Argentina will meet Austria on Tuesday at 5am before concluding its group-stage campaign against Jordan next Sunday at 2pm.
Source: Hindustan Times
