Algeria have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating in their 3-0 World Cup defeat by Argentina on 16 June, citing two specific incidents they believe cost them dearly in a match that will long be remembered for Lionel Messi’s hat-trick in Kansas City.
The Algerian Football Federation sent a letter to FIFA’s refereeing commission, with the grievances centring on Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who also took charge of the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, which Argentina won on penalties against France.
The first and most contentious incident occurred in the 32nd minute, when Messi appeared to stamp on the calf of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi. Algeria supporters called for a red card but no punishment was issued, with neither the referee nor VAR intervening. Messi went on to complete a hat-trick, drawing level with Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
“Footage repeatedly shown on television and social media shows Messi’s foot pressing down on the Lille defender’s calf, under the watch of the Polish referee and VAR,” Algerian outlet TSA reported.
The second complaint relates to a penalty not awarded in the 74th minute after Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza appeared to be struck in the face by the forearm of Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister inside the box. “After taking the blow to the face, the Algerian international collapsed to the ground, but referee Szymon Marciniak did not award a penalty,” TSA stated.
Algeria, who face Jordan in their next group match, remain without a point in Group J. FIFA had not responded at the time of publication.
