Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria, largely thanks to a historic hat-trick from Lionel Messi, which saw him equal Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record and join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five World Cups, though his performance was overshadowed by a controversial studs-up tackle on Aissa Mandi in the 32nd minute that, surprisingly, went unpunished by both the on-field referee and VAR

Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria, largely thanks to a historic hat-trick from Lionel Messi, which saw him equal Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record and join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five World Cups, though his performance was overshadowed by a controversial studs-up tackle on Aissa Mandi in the 32nd minute that, surprisingly, went unpunished by both the on-field referee and VAR

Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria, largely thanks to a historic hat-trick from Lionel Messi, which saw him equal Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record and join Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to score in five World Cups, though his performance was overshadowed by a controversial studs-up tackle on Aissa Mandi in the 32nd minute that, surprisingly, went unpunished by both the on-field referee and VAR

The day belonged to the goal machines!

While French skipper Kylian Mbappe and Norwegian talisman Erling Haaland scored a brace each to inspire their teams to 3-1 and 4-1 wins against Senegal and Iraq respectively, Argentine legend Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to power the defending champions to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their group-stage opener.

The outcome of the contest between the World no. 1 and no. 28 teams was never really in doubt, but the Argentines went about their job in clinical fashion. Messi scored his first goal in the 17th minute, after being put through by his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The second came off a rebound in the 60th minute. Though Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane – son of French legend Zinedine Zidane – could have done better on both occasions, there was little he could do with the third goal as a thunderous strike from the top of the penalty box in the 76th minute from Messi completed his historic triple for the match.

The goals put him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. He also joined Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to have scored in five World Cups.

However, Messi’s performance was marred by a controversial moment in the 32nd minute of the match when Argentina were leading 1-0. The 39-year-old was caught in a clumsy, studs-up challenge on Aissa Mandi, and though the referee awarded Algeria a free-kick, no action was taken against Messi. Suprisingly, even the VAR did not find the foul worthy of even a yellow card.

He went on to complete his hat-trick before being replaced by Nico Paz in the 80th minute.

Replays of the studs-on-calf moment soon went viral on social media, with fans and expert alike questioning how did Messi escape without even a caution for the challenge. Several netizens called for a straight red card. Football pundits and former footballers Alejandro Moreno and Nedum Onuoha, too, opioned that Messi should have been sent off.

Some fans were quick to point out that Szymon Marciniak was the on-field referee for this match. The Polish referee had come in for criticism for awarding Argentina a controversial penalty at the 2022 World Cup final against France.

According to the 'Laws of the Game' by the International Football Association Board, making contact high up on the opponent's leg (above the ankle or on the shin, for instance) with the studs showing is usually categorised as serious foul play and is likely to draw a straight red card.

Former French striker Thierry Henry, however, chose to side with the referee’s decision. “For me, intent is very important when you analyse these situations properly. When you watch it again, you can clearly see that Lionel Messi is trying to make a football action, not trying to hurt anyone. Yes, there is contact. Yes, it looks awkward. But not every collision is a red card.

“For me, it was accidental, unfortunate, and nothing more than that,” Henry was quoted as saying.

Argentina will play Austria on Monday and Jordan on June 27, while Algeria will face Jordan on Monday in Santa Clara, California, before facing Austria in its Group J final match on June 27 in Kansas City.

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