Lionel Messi and Argentina are off to a flying start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Algeria 3-0 in their opening group-stage match, with the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scoring all three goals and recording the first World Cup hat-trick of his career.
Tuesday's match marked Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina, extending his record as the nation's most-capped player. He rose to the occasion in the milestone game, with his hat-trick drawing him level with legendary German striker Miroslav Klose for the most goals in FIFA World Cup history with 16.
However, allegations of favoritism once again threatened to overshadow what was undoubtedly one of the finest performances of Messi's illustrious career after the 38-year-old escaped punishment for a clumsy challenge on Algeria center-back Aissa Mandi.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
After opening the scoring with a curling left-footed strike in the 17th minute, Messi was chasing Mandi in the 30th minute when he stepped on the back of the defender's calf while attempting to win the ball. Many believed the challenge warranted a red card, but Messi was not even shown a yellow.
With three red cards having already been issued in the tournament opener, many fans argued that the officials were lenient toward the Argentine captain and that, had the roles been reversed, Mandi would likely have received at least a yellow card.
"A red card for sure, at least a yellow but not even a var check was done 🤦🏻♀️ and I like Messi but sometimes these things are crazy," one fan wrote.
"Bad officiating, prolly they were sacred to give a big name a red card," another added.
"Plays like this are given a red everywhere, no matter who it is. Fifa’s little princess shouldn’t be an exception," a third fan added.
Even ESPN analysts Ale Moreno and Nedum Onuoha felt the challenge was worthy of a red card, with Moreno stating that it "plays into the narrative that great players are given preferential treatment."
While some argued Messi's challenge was not intentional, most agreed that it at least warranted a yellow card.
"Thats at most a yellow. You put a photi that made it look like he came in full speed with a stomp on the back of the leg. He was trying to step and accidentally stepped on the guy. Go cry some more ffs," one user wrote.
"Look at how the defender was moving, he was instigating it, and also there was little to no force in it. Can’t be given as a red," another added.
"You can't be the GOAT and not get special treatment. Live with it," one user said bluntly.
There is certainly a debate to be had about the challenge, but accusations of preferential treatment are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Nevertheless, the Inter Miami star will be pleased with both the result and the fact that he avoided a booking, as two yellow cards in the tournament result in a one-match suspension. Argentina's focus now shifts to Monday's clash with Austria as the defending champions continue their quest to retain the World Cup title.
