Lionel Messi avoided a red card for a robust challenge on Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory in their 2026 World Cup Group J opener on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during the match at Arrowhead Stadium, prompting widespread debate over the refereeing and VAR decision.
Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha, commenting on ESPN, was clear in his assessment.
“This probably should be a red card. I think the referee probably missed it, and I understand why the referee missed it, but for the VAR to look at it and say there is nothing more to it, that’s so fine. I think that is worthy of a red card,” Onuoha said.
He added that broadcast commentary downplayed the incident, noting only that “that’s quite bad, it’s good to see Messi pressing.”
Fellow ESPN pundit Ale Moreno was equally unequivocal.
“It’s 100% a red card for Lionel Messi. It should’ve been,” Moreno stated.
Despite the controversy, Messi went on to score a hat-trick, equalling Miroslav Klose’s record as the all-time leading World Cup scorer.
The Argentine captain’s escape from sanction allowed him to complete a historic performance in what is his sixth World Cup appearance.
