Algerian Football Association files complaint over refereeing decisions in match against Argentina at World Cup

The Algerian Football Association has filed a complaint with FIFA denouncing the errors of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak in the match between the national teams of Algeria and Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. According to a report from TSA, the federation points to two serious fouls committed by Argentine players that went unpunished.



The first foul was a kick by Argentine striker Lionel Messi on the calf of Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi in the 31st minute. Despite the clear use of studs, Marciniak didn't even show a yellow card. The second referee error cited was an elbow strike by Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the face of Algerian player Ibrahim Maaza in the 74th minute. The Algerian fell to the ground, but a penalty was not awarded.

The match, which took place on June 17, ended in a 3-0 win for Argentina. Captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick by scoring in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes. After the first matchday of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina and Algeria occupy first and fourth places in Group J, respectively.