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Algeria Complain to FIFA About Refereeing in Loss to Argentina
On Friday, the Algerian Football Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding refereeing errors during their 3-0 World Cup defeat by Argentina, citing two incidents where Argentina allegedly benefited from officiating decisions.
Specifically, the federation cites a 32nd-minute incident where Lionel Messi stood on the calf of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, and a 74th-minute uncalled penalty after Alexis Mac Allister struck Ibrahim Maza.
Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, opted not to penalize Messi despite VAR review; footage repeatedly displayed the contact, yet the official allowed play to continue in Kansas City.
Messi scored a hat-trick, moving level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, and afterwards explained his emotional state, noting he navigated "difficult, complicated days" unrelated to the sport.
Algeria returns to action Monday night against Jordan in a must-win match, while Argentina faces Austria earlier that day as the tournament continues following the Kansas City clash.