Algeria filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the officiating over an incident involving Messi

The Algerian Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the refereeing decisions in the team's World Cup match against Argentina – 0:3. This is reported by The Athletic citing sources, UNN reports.

Details

"The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the refereeing decisions in the match that the Algerian team lost to Argentina with a score of 3:0 in the first World Cup," the statement reads.

According to the source, the complaint primarily concerns the incident involving Lionel Messi's tackle in the 30th minute, during which he struck the right shin and Achilles tendon of Algerian captain Aissa Mandi with his studs.

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not show a card to the reigning world champion but awarded a free kick in favor of Algeria. Experts pointed out that the referee should have shown Messi a red card, but he did not even review the VAR.

According to the source, there are two more incidents mentioned in the complaint. In particular, in the second episode, which occurred in the 74th minute, Alexis Mac Allister hit midfielder Ibrahim Maza in the face with his elbow, and he fell to the ground. However, the Polish referee did not award a penalty in that moment.

"It is pointless to comment on hypothetical situations, but everyone saw it, including me," said Algeria's head coach Vladimir Petkovic after the match.

Reminder

Lionel Messi made history on Tuesday evening, equaling Miroslav Klose's record for the most goals in men's World Cups – 16 – after a hat-trick that led Argentina to a 3:0 victory over Algeria.