Should Messi's first goal have been disallowed? “Obvious fault”

Lionel Messi once again wrote a page of history on Monday by scoring two goals against Austria during the 2026 World Cup. But one of these achievements sparked controversy: according to Austrian management, players and analysts, it should have been refused.

The disputed goal came in Texas, when Messi deceived the Austrian defense with a characteristic gesture to score his fourth goal of this tournament. A few moments earlier, Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager remained on the ground after contact with Alexis Mac Allister. The Egyptian referee Amin Omar did not whistle, and the VAR did not intervene to review the action.

This decision greatly irritated Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick. “VAR should have done the same thing as for Argentina's penalty,” he said, referring to the video intervention a few minutes earlier when Omar was called on screen for a foul on Lautaro Martínez and ultimately awarded a penalty — a penalty that Messi then missed.

Xaver Schlager, touched by the action, does not hide his feelings: “He completely got under me. I had both legs in the air and fell back onto the grass. I'm not known for dropping often or looking for free kicks. To me, it was absolutely an obvious mistake. »

Former Norwegian international Jan Åge Fjørtoft, icon of Rapid Vienna, went further in his criticism: “Many other referees would have whistled this foul. This is particularly frustrating. That VAR does not intervene in the end is scandalous. Furthermore, referee Omar should have already handed out a few yellow cards before. »

The controversy revives the debate on the consistency of video interventions and the role of refereeing in the decisive phases of the World Cup. For Austria, and several observers, this validated goal undermines the fairness of the meeting.