Lionel Messi avoids red card during Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 12:28 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Lionel Messi played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup-opening match against Algeria on June 17, scoring a hat trick. Controversy arose when Messi evaded a red card for a severe tackle on Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi. Analysts widely agreed that the challenge warranted ejection, questioning the officiating crew's decision. Messi's continued participation could impact Argentina's group standings and future matchups.
- •Messi scores a hat trick in Argentina's World Cup opener.
- •He avoided a red card for a dangerous tackle on Mandi.
- •Analysts argue the tackle should have resulted in ejection.
- •Argentina likely would have won even without Messi.
- •The decision affects group stage implications for Argentina.
- 12:28 PMYahoo Sports — '100% a red card': Lionel Messi's entire World Cup changed on lucky ref decision for Argentina
"This is a brutal tackle by the all-time great.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 2:30 PMKylian Mbappé delivers on World Cup flute celebration promise to James Corden
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 2:26 PMHow Mauricio Pochettino's uncensored 6-word message became the USMNT's World Cup mantra
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 2:10 PMSchlager & Co take key World Cup opening win
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 2:05 PM2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Most goals, standings
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 1:25 PMFIFA World Cup Fantasy MD2: The Best Maximum Captain Chip Strategy
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 17, 2026, 1:20 PMJames Trafford plays down concerns over Manchester City life after Pep Guardiola
