DEBATE!!! Does Lionel Messi Deserve A Card Despite Historic Hattrick Vs Algeria? [VIDEO]
Lionel Messi’s first-ever World Cup hattrick saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record of 16 goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, but the historic performance was accompanied by a debate over whether the Argentine captain was fortunate to avoid a card for a dangerous-looking challenge.
The incident occurred midway through the first half with Argentina leading 1-0. Messi made a late challenge on Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi, with his studs appearing to catch the back of the defender’s calf.
Watch the moment below
Referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a foul but chose not to show a yellow card, while VAR did not intervene to recommend a review for serious foul play. Mandi was able to continue after briefly receiving treatment.
The decision sparked an immediate reaction on social media, with many fans questioning whether the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had received lenient treatment.
“Clearest red card and he didn’t even get a yellow for this even after a VAR check. Lmao,” one fan wrote.
“Messi just got away with an absolutely disgusting challenge to an Algeria defender’s leg,” another posted.
Some supporters also suggested the decision may have been influenced by Messi’s status, with one saying: “Let’s be honest: if anyone else had committed that foul, they’d have been sent off. The only reason Messi stayed on the pitch is because he’s Messi. It was a definite red card.”
ESPN analyst Ale Moreno also believed the challenge deserved a dismissal.
“It’s 100 per cent a red card,” Moreno said. “It plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment.”
The controversy, however, was quickly overshadowed by Messi’s brilliance at the other end of the pitch as the 38-year-old struck three times to guide Argentina to a comfortable opening win and move level with Klose as the highest scorer in men’s World Cup history.
