Algeria Protests FIFA Over Messi Tackle in World Cup Match

The Algerian Football Federation has formally protested to FIFA regarding a referee's decision during a World Cup match against Argentina, specifically concerning a tackle by Lionel Messi on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. The incident occurred in the 30th minute of the match, where Messi's challenge was deemed deserving of a red card by the Algerian officials.

Despite Messi being an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and leading Argentina to a hat trick in the match, the Algerian Federation expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the referee's failure to act on the challenge was an injustice. They highlighted that there were two elbow incidents that also warranted dismissal.

Algeria is set to face Jordan in their second match on Monday, completing their Group J campaign against Austria on Saturday, June 27. The Federation emphasized that they cannot remain silent in the face of perceived injustices, especially as they aim to reach the World Cup knockout phase for the second time, following their extra-time loss to Germany in the last 16 in 2014.