Algeria lodge complaint over refereeing in World Cup loss to Argentina after Lionel Messi escaped red card

Algeria has lodged a formal complaint regarding the refereeing in their 3-0 World Cup defeat by Argentina earlier this week, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters on Friday.

The grievance, sent to Fifa’s refereeing commission, specifically cites a first-half incident where Argentina’s Lionel Messi stood on the calf of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi.

Algerian supporters vehemently called for Messi to be sent off, but the forward escaped punishment.

Messi made the challenge shortly after putting Argentina 1-0 up, and he went on to score a hat-trick to move level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the top goalscorer in World Cup history.

The match, which was played in Kansas City, was officiated by Poland’s Szymon Marciniak, who also refereed the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, which saw Argentina triumph over France on penalties.

Algeria are due to return to action on Monday night when they face Jordan in a must-win match following their defeat by Argentina.

Meanwhile, Messi’s Argentina will play Austria earlier on Monday.

Messi was seen in tears during Argentina’s first match. Asked why he was emotional, Messi said after the game: “Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport, I went through some difficult, complicated days. I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They were always there for me, as always. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this, and that’s all.”

The Messi family then released a statement on Thursday, confirming Messi’s father is currently being treated for a health issue.

“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing,” the statement read.

“The family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter.

“The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest relatives have real and accurate information regarding Jorge’s condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”