As the LED board flashed the number 10 in the 79th minute at Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday, June 17, the crowd rose to its feet to salute one of the greatest players of all time after a truly iconic performance. But even on a historic night, Lionel Messi couldn’t escape controversy.
What was meant to be a celebration of another masterclass on the World Cup stage — but instead, much of the post-match discussion centred on a controversial first-half incident.
Argentina ultimately cruised to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their World Cup opener, with Messi scoring a historic hat-trick at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The result also marked Argentina’s first successful defence of a World Cup title opening match in their history.
But the spotlight briefly shifted away from his first goal, when in the 32nd minute Messi was involved in a contentious challenge with Algeria captain Aissa Mandi.
As he attempted to reach a loose ball, Algeria captain Mandi stepped across to block his path. In the ensuing challenge, Messi appeared to catch Mandi on his trailing leg, precisely on the calf from behind, with the defender going down in visible discomfort.
The referee, however, opted not to award a foul, and VAR did not intervene. The decision immediately split opinion, both inside the stadium and across social media platforms.
Many fans argued the challenge could have been punished more harshly, suggesting it warranted at least a yellow card. Others went further, debating whether the contact could have been interpreted as dangerous play that might justify a red card review in a different refereeing context. The incident quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the match online.
Comments circulated widely questioning how the challenge went unpunished, while others defended the decision, suggesting it was incidental contact in a high-speed duel for the ball. The lack of on-field sanction ensured the debate continued well beyond the final whistle.
“Messi steps on Mandi’s calf, but since it’s Messi and Argentina, no sanction against him,” one user wrote. Another questioned the decision more directly: “HOW HAS MESSI GOT AWAY WITH THIS ON MANDI????”
ARGENTINA START TITLE DEFENCE WITH WIN
Despite the controversy, Messi’s response was emphatic.
The Argentina captain went on to produce one of the defining World Cup performances of his career. He opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from distance after initially having a goal already ruled out for offside. He then struck again after the break, reacting quickest to a loose ball after an attempt was spilled, before completing his hat-trick late in the second half with another trademark finish from outside the area.
In doing so, Messi moved level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring charts, while also becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament’s history.
The night also marked his 200th appearance for Argentina and his record sixth FIFA World Cup campaign — milestones that underline his longevity at the highest level.
Yet beyond the records and statistics, the defining theme remained the contrast between controversy and brilliance. One moment of disputed refereeing decision sparked debate, but the next was pure footballing authority from one of the game’s greatest players.
Despite the heated debate around the first-half incident, Argentina opened their World Cup defence in style, producing a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria and laying down an early marker in Group J.
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