Algerian Federation complains to FIFA after loss to Argentina, seeks clarification on Messi and Mac Allister cases

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has filed an official complaint with FIFA following the 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, challenging several refereeing decisions that, according to it, directly affected the outcome of the match.

The news was reported by Algerian media, including the sports daily "Compétition", which quotes official sources from the federation.

At the center of the controversy is Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, accused by the Algerian side of mismanaging several key episodes during the valuable challenge for Group J of the World Cup.

According to the complaint sent to FIFA, the first case concerns a tackle by Lionel Messi on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi in the 31st minute. The Argentine star, who had scored the opening goal in the 17th minute, kicked the opponent in the calf with his heel but was not booked by the referee.

Footage of the incident quickly spread on social media and sparked widespread debate among fans and sports analysts around the world.

The Algerian federation has also raised concerns about another incident in the 74th minute, when Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister elbowed Algerian striker Ibrahim Maza. The Algerian player was left on the pitch after being hit in the face, but according to the FAF, neither the referee nor the VAR system intervened to review the situation.

So far, FIFA has not publicly reacted to the Algerian Federation's complaint, while the controversy surrounding the refereeing of the Argentina-Algeria match continues to be at the center of discussions at the 2026 World Cup.

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