By Dr. Talal Osman

While Argentina was celebrating the return of its legend Lionel Messi with a stunning hat‑trick against Algeria, one moment in the first half was enough to ignite a global debate that overshadowed even the three goals.

In the minute when Messi attempted to dispossess Aïssa Mandi, the challenge turned into the center of a major refereeing controversy and opened the door to a big question:

Did Messi benefit from preferential treatment on the pitch?

A controversial challenge… and a shocking refereeing decision

Television replays showed Messi dragging his boot over the back of Mandi’s calf in what several analysts described as a reckless and dangerous challenge. Despite the clear contact, Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not show any card, and the VAR did not intervene to invite him to review the incident on the pitch‑side monitor.

This refereeing silence triggered a wave of criticism across global media, especially in England and the United States.

Messi escaped punishment

The British newspaper The Guardian considered the incident “the only dark spot” in an otherwise perfect night for Argentina, stressing that the challenge deserved at least a yellow card… if not more.

ESPN: A 100% red card”

Analyst Alejandro Moreno was the most direct, saying:

“Messi should have been sent off. The challenge was dangerous and clear. Big stars sometimes get different treatment… and this is another example.”

He added that Messi’s boot sliding on Mandi’s leg “from below the knee to the ankle” made the incident beyond debate.

 

Refereeing experts puzzled: Where was VAR?

English analyst Nedum Onuoha expressed his astonishment at the lack of VAR intervention:

“I can understand the referee not seeing the full incident in real time, but it’s hard to understand how the VAR saw it and chose not to act.”

He added that Messi himself looked uneasy after the challenge, as if he realized the seriousness of what happened.

Did Messi receive special treatment?

The global website Goal raised the question directly: Did Messi benefit from preferential treatment?

It noted that the controversy was not about the match result, but about how the incident was handled compared to similar cases in previous major tournaments.

Messi… between controversy and history

Despite the refereeing storm, Messi remained unfazed on the pitch:

  • He scored the first goal with a powerful strike in the 17th minute

  • Added the second in the 60th minute after a smart follow‑up

  • Completed his hat‑trick in the 76th minute with a precise finish

With this, he equaled Miroslav Klose’s record as the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, and became the first player ever to appear in six World Cup editions.

One incident… and a global divide

Between those who believe the challenge deserved only a yellow card, and those convinced it was a straight red, the Aïssa Mandi incident remained the most discussed moment after the match. As for the bigger question  Did Messi benefit from special treatment?  it will remain open, because the answer depends on perspective… but the debate is far from over.