Algeria Files FIFA Complaint Over Referee Decisions in 3-0 World Cup Loss to Argentina

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) lodged an official complaint with FIFA after its 3‑0 defeat to Argentina in the Group J match of the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City. The federation argues that two incidents should have resulted in red cards: Lionel Messi’s alleged boot‑to‑calf challenge on captain Aïssa Mandi in the 31st minute, and Alexis Mac Allister’s elbow on Ibrahim Maza later in the second half. Referee Szymon Marciniak did not punish either incident and the video‑assistant referees (VAR) did not intervene. FIFA has reportedly sanctioned the VAR team responsible for the match, noting that the tournament’s VAR operations were run from a central hub in Dallas rather than from the stadiums. The complaint seeks clarification and possible disciplinary action but does not request a change to the result. Messi’s hat‑trick in the game tied him with Miroslav Klose’s World Cup scoring record, adding further attention to the controversy.