Algeria Football Federation files FIFA complaint over referee decisions in Argentina match

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) submitted an official protest to FIFA after its 3‑0 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup Group J opener at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The complaint centers on two incidents that the FAF says should have been penalised: Lionel Messi’s challenge on Algerian captain Aïssa Mandi in the 31st minute, which the Polish referee Szymon Marciniak judged only a foul and did not show a card, and Alexis Mac Allister’s elbow on Ibrahim Maza, also left unpunished. The FAF argues both actions could have led to expulsions and altered the match’s dynamics, and it criticises the VAR team for not reviewing either incident. FIFA’s regulations, however, bar protests on referee decisions, making the appeal largely symbolic. The referee’s conduct has drawn criticism from former officials, media outlets and fans, many calling for a red card for Messi. Despite the controversy, Argentina’s victory stood, highlighted by Messi’s hat‑trick that tied Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goal record. The incident underscores ongoing debates about officiating standards, VAR use and the influence of star players on refereeing decisions.