The report says Messi stepped on Mandi’s calf during the opening period. Algerian supporters reportedly called for a red card, but the Argentine forward was not punished and remained on the pitch.
That decision carries extra weight because Messi is said to have scored all three goals in the victory. Algeria’s complaint is therefore centred on a moment involving the player who ultimately decided the match, rather than a broad objection to every aspect of the officials’ performance.
The case has reportedly been sent to ’s refereeing committee, which is responsible for reviewing the work of match officials. The Polish referee Szymon Marciniak is said to have overseen the contest, adding further attention because he also handled the 2022 World Cup final.
A formal complaint does not automatically mean a result will be changed, a replay ordered or a punishment imposed. The likely focus is whether the incident was correctly interpreted under the Laws of the Game and whether the officials followed the required review process.
The margin of victory will also shape the debate. A 3-0 scoreline gives Argentina a clear result, but Algeria’s argument is that the key disciplinary decision deserved closer scrutiny before Messi went on to dominate the contest.
The immediate storyline is ’s response. The governing body may review the referee’s report and available match footage before deciding whether any further action is necessary.
For Algeria, the complaint offers a chance to seek clarity after a heavy defeat. For Argentina and Messi, it places the spotlight on the tournament’s biggest name and on whether elite players receive enough protection from serious disciplinary review.