Argentina – Algeria: Messi's lack of card on Mandi reignites VAR controversy

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose's record. A contentious tackle by Messi on Aïssa Mandi, which went unpunished despite no VAR intervention, has reignited the VAR controversy. ESPN FC and beIN Sports pundits argued that the contact warranted a red card. FIFA may open a retroactive disciplinary procedure.