2026 World Cup: Moreno slams referee for not giving Messi red card against Algeria

During the 2026 World Cup match between Argentina and Algeria, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick but avoided any punishment after a dangerous studs-up challenge on Aissa Mandi. Referee Szymon Marciniak did not even issue a yellow card, sparking outrage from pundit Alejandro Moreno on ESPN. Moreno called the tackle 'clumsy' and insisted it deserved a red card, also noting Gianni Infantino's smile in the stands. He further criticized the lack of a VAR review for the incident.