After Argentina captain Lionel Messi was not shown a red card in the match against Algeria, questions were raised about the transparency of the incident.
On the one hand, the fans started calling the World Cup fixed, on the other hand, the analysts called the referee’s decision unfair.
ESPN analysts said Messi should have received a red card 100% because the Algerian defender tripped him on the back of the leg with his boot.
“It’s 100 percent a red card for Lionel Messi. It should have been.”
Ale Moreno and Nedum Onuoha react to Messi’s challenge against Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi. pic.twitter.com/0h2dMLYk4l
– ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2026
After watching the replay, many commentators and spectators believed that the move should have been penalized, but the Polish referee Szymon did not show a card and there was no apparent interference from the VA.
🚨 Messi should have been shown a red card. 🥇
A shocking decision from the referee. 😳 pic.twitter.com/ki7Po9MpSE
– World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 17, 2026
After this decision, many supporters reacted strongly on social media.
As a Messi fan I have to admit that he was really liked by the referee. This is a red card offense! Women’s clothing! pic.twitter.com/y1CnqFIVfG
– RAZOR BLADE (@razorblade300) June 17, 2026
Some users claimed that if it was another player, he would have received a straight red card but Messi is saved, FIFA wants to see a big match between Messi and Ronaldo.
It is worth mentioning that Messi played a significant role in the victory of the team 0-3 by throwing his first cup of the World Cup in this match.
