BREAKING: Algeria OFFICIALLY Petitions FIFA Over Messi Tackle in World Cup Defeat to Argentina

According to report by Vanguard News on Friday, June 19, 2026, following what it saw as dubious officiating in its 2026 World Cup opener against Argentina, Algeria formally lodged a protest with FIFA. The Argentine captain Lionel Messi’s challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi during Tuesday’s Group J match is reportedly at the heart of the protest, according to a source within the Algerian Football Federation.

In the 30th minute, Mandi was hit in the calf by an alleged studs-up tackle from behind by Messi. However, neither a booking nor a possible dismissal were assessed by the match officials.

The source from the federation strongly believed that the tackle should have resulted in a straight red card and was disappointed that neither the officiating staff nor the video assistant referee system interjected.......>>