Messi Should Have Been Sent Off Against Algeria, Says Duluc and Petkovic

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to guide Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their World Cup 2026 opener overnight Tuesday to Wednesday in Kansas City — but it was an unsanctioned gesture from the Argentine star that dominated post-match debate.

In the 32nd minute, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stamped on the back of Aïssa Mandi’s calf. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue without even issuing a yellow card. A decision that immediately sparked controversy, both in the stands and in the press.

Vincent Duluc, journalist at L’Équipe, was particularly direct on social media X. “Any other player would have received red, a two-match ban, and would have returned for the round of 16,” he wrote, before adding: “Messi is protected, as in 2018 (deliberate handball, no yellow). We have the right to love a genius and hate injustice.”

Algeria manager Vladimir Petkovic chose his words carefully, but his message was unambiguous. “Everyone saw it, me included. After the match, I saw the images, but I don’t want to talk too much about it,” he said at a press conference, refusing to fuel the controversy while implicitly acknowledging it.

Messi finished the evening with goals in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, taking Argentina to three points in the group. Algeria, for their part, must bounce back quickly: the Fennecs face Jordan on Tuesday, before closing their group stage against Austria on Sunday, June 28.