The complaint, filed on 19/6, centers on a foul by Lionel Messi on Aissa Mandi in the 30th minute of the match. The Argentina captain used the sole of his boot to step on the shin of the Algeria captain. Referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, whistled for a foul but did not issue any card to Messi.

Algeria also cited two other incidents in their complaint, including an elbow to Hadj Moussa. Neither Algeria nor Argentina received any cards during the opening match.

Messi steps on an opponent's shin during the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, Missouri, on 16/6. *Screenshot*

Previously, South Africa national team coach Hugo Broos questioned referee Marciniak's decision not to send off Messi. He compared the situation to Themba Zwane receiving a red card for swinging his arm into an opponent's face during their opening match against hosts Mexico, which resulted in a three-match ban.

"Zwane's red card was too harsh. After reviewing what happened with Messi, I disagree even more with the penalty Zwane had to endure. The video assistant referee (VAR) didn't even intervene for Messi," the South Africa coach added.

Beyond Broos, many experts, former players, and fans believe Messi deserved a card for the challenge. On the ESPN FC program, former El Salvador international Alejandro Moreno stated: "That's 100% a red card. Messi should have been sent off."

Journalist Oliver Kay of The Athletic (UK) also suggested Messi was fortunate to escape punishment. According to him, the incident where the Argentina captain stamped the sole of his boot on Mandi's calf warranted at least a yellow card, and potentially a red card due to the risk of injury. While not claiming the referee favored Messi, Kay noted Marciniak's leniency, adding that Messi receiving no card was the most surprising aspect.

According to football laws, studs-up challenges on an opponent's leg can result in a red card if deemed "serious foul play" or a threat to player safety. Therefore, many believe Messi receives preferential treatment due to his special status. Comments like "Messi plays by his own rules" were widespread on social media platforms Reddit and X.

Messi opened the scoring in the 2026 World Cup opening match on 16/6 with a shot from outside the box in the 17th minute. After avoiding the red card, the Argentina captain continued to shine and scored a hat-trick. He netted a rebound to double the lead in the 60th minute, then curled a left-footed shot to seal the 3-0 victory in the 76th minute.

The hat-trick against Algeria helped Messi equal Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals, a former Germany national team striker. Ronaldo Nazario ranks third with 15 goals, while Gerd Muller and Kylian Mbappe are tied for fourth with 14 goals.

In the second matchday on 22/6, Argentina will face Austria, while Algeria will play Jordan.