Lionel Messi avoided a FIFA sanction after a controversial incident during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine captain scored a hat-trick but was fortunate to stay on the pitch following a first-half challenge on Algeria’s captain, Aissa Mandi.
In the early stages of the match, Messi appeared to stamp on Mandi, a move that many believed warranted a red card. However, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak only awarded a free kick and did not show any card to the 38-year-old star. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also declined to intervene, classifying the challenge as careless rather than reckless or excessively forceful.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, now a pundit, expressed his view that a red card should have been issued. He noted that the still images made the incident look severe, and Messi’s immediate concern for the Algerian player suggested he recognized the potential consequences of his actions.
Had Messi been sent off, he would have missed Argentina’s next Group J fixture against Austria. The decision not to punish him has sparked debate among fans and analysts, but the referee’s call on the field stood, allowing Messi to continue playing.