Messi hits Aïssa Mandi with studs from behind — the Argentinian didn't even receive a yellow
By OnzeActu · · 1 min read
In the 31st minute, Lionel Messi hit Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi in the calf with his crampons without being warned by referee Szymon Marciniak. VAR did not take part in the decision. Messi then scored Argentina's three goals (17th, 60th, 76th).
During the opening match of the 2026 World Cup group between Argentina and Algeria (3-0), Lionel Messi was involved in a heated episode in the 31st minute. The Argentine striker hit the calf of Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi with his studs, causing the player to fall. The referee of the match, Szymon Marciniak, did not show a yellow card against Messi and video assistance (VAR) did not intervene.
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Despite this incident, Messi largely influenced the result: the 38-year-old striker scored all three goals for Argentina, opening the scoring in the 17th minute on a serve from Rodrigo De Paul, then doubling and tripling the lead in the 60th and 76th minutes (an assist was credited to Nicolás González).
Argentina will travel to face Austria on June 22 in the next group matchday. For its part, the Algerian selection will face Jordan on June 23.