Algeria Football Federation Appeals to FIFA over Messi Tackle in World Cup Match

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally lodged a complaint with FIFA after the 2026 World Cup group‑stage loss to Argentina. The federation alleges that referee Szymon Marciniak failed to sanction two serious offenses, most notably a dangerous challenge by Lionel Messi on defender Aïssa Mandi, which the FAF describes as a "textbook red‑card offence" that should have resulted in a dismissal.

The FAF’s appeal also cites a second incident involving Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, whose alleged elbow to Ibrahim Maza went unpunished. Officials argue that the lack of appropriate disciplinary action altered the match outcome and violated Algeria’s competitive rights. FIFA has been asked to review the referee’s decisions and the VAR process used during the game.