Messi Avoids FIFA Ban After Hat‑Trick Against Algeria in 2026 World Cup

Argentina captain Lionel Messi avoided a possible FIFA ban after he was not shown a red card for a dangerous foul in the 3‑0 victory over Algeria on Wednesday.

Messi dominated headlines with a hat‑trick against the Desert Foxes.

The 38‑year‑old was fortunate not to be sent off in the first half after a challenge that appeared to stamp on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi.

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak awarded a free‑kick to the Africans instead, and Messi received no yellow card.

VAR chose not to intervene, judging the tackle as careless rather than reckless or an act of excessive force.

“I think it should have been a red card, in my opinion,” ex‑Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told ESPN.

“I think it feels like the moment was missed because obviously the stills make it look quite bad, but when the player was on the floor, you could see Messi had a level of concern towards him because he knew he’d potentially done something there which could get him into trouble.”

A red card would have forced Messi to miss the next Group J match against Austria.