Lionel Messi’s brilliant hat-trick against Algeria helped Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style, but a controversial refereeing decision involving the captain stole much of the spotlight during the Group J encounter.
The reigning champions secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Messi producing another masterclass on football’s biggest stage. However, a first-half challenge by the Argentine star triggered heated discussions among fans and pundits, with many questioning why he was not sent off.
Challenge sparks controversy
The incident took place shortly after Messi had opened the scoring for Argentina. While attempting to win back possession, the 38-year-old lunged into a challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. Replays appeared to show Messi making late contact with his opponent, leading to immediate appeals from Algerian players.
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The referee awarded a free-kick but chose not to show Messi a yellow or red card. The decision was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which also opted against recommending further action.
The call quickly became one of the most debated moments of the tournament so far. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with many fans arguing that other players might have faced stricter punishment for a similar challenge. Others defended the decision, claiming the tackle did not meet the threshold for a dismissal.
No ha nacido el árbitro que le saque tarjeta roja a Messi en un Mundial. pic.twitter.com/IUnlxvrofI
— Pascal (@beltrandelrio) June 17, 2026
Messi shines despite debate
Despite the controversy, Messi remained focused on his football and continued to torment the Algerian defence. The Argentine legend added two more goals to complete his hat-trick and seal a dominant victory for his side.
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The three-goal haul also saw Messi equal the FIFA World Cup’s all-time goalscoring record with 16 goals, further cementing his place among the greatest players in the history of the competition.
Argentina’s emphatic win strengthened their hopes of retaining the World Cup title, but the debate surrounding Messi’s challenge is likely to continue in the days ahead. While the result delighted Argentine supporters, the refereeing decision ensured that the match will be remembered for more than just Messi’s record-breaking performance.
