'Would they let it slide for Messi?' Egypt, Algeria blast refereeing in Argentina matches

Controversy over alleged preferential refereeing toward Lionel Messi and Argentina is growing as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America enters its final stretch, with Egypt and Algeria both raising objections to officiating decisions in their matches against the defending champions.

Jeune Afrique, a media outlet covering African affairs, reported Saturday that dissatisfaction with refereeing is spreading among national teams that have faced Argentina. At the center of the controversy are Messi and defending champion Argentina.

The Egyptian Football Association filed a complaint with FIFA against the French refereeing crew over what it described as serious officiating errors and double standards in the round of 16 match against Argentina on Tuesday. Egypt had led 2-0 before conceding three late goals to lose 3-2.

Egypt pointed to two key incidents. First, a goal by Mustafa Zico in the 58th minute that would have extended Egypt's lead to 2-0 was disallowed following a video assistant referee review. Egypt also claimed that VAR was never used on a late incident in which an Argentine player appeared to grab Mohamed Salah's jersey inside the penalty area.

Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida strongly protested, saying the decisions directly contributed to Egypt's elimination in the round of 16. He called for a swift investigation into the French refereeing crew and said they should be removed from the remainder of the tournament depending on the findings.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was more direct. "The World Cup is tilted in Argentina's favor," he said. "Egypt was treated unfairly due to commercial considerations — the need for Messi to stay in the tournament as long as possible and for the world champions to keep playing."

Egypt's claims have drawn wider attention thanks to remarks from prominent figures in football. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho described the refereeing in the Argentina match as "daylight robbery," while former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also lent his support to Egypt's position.

The controversy extends beyond Egypt. Algeria had earlier filed a separate FIFA complaint against referees after losing 3-0 to Argentina in their Group J opener. Algeria alleged that Messi stepped on the calf of defender Aissa Mandi during a challenge but was neither sent off nor booked.

Mandi collapsed on the pitch in apparent pain. The referee issued no disciplinary action against Messi, and VAR did not recommend an on-field review. Algeria believes the challenge warranted consideration for a red card.

Messi went on to complete a hat trick with two more goals. From Algeria's perspective, a moment that could have changed the course of the match passed without consequence. Sports Illustrated also reported that the Algerian Football Federation filed a formal protest with FIFA over the foul and the refereeing decisions.

Jeune Afrique analyzed the controversy as a pattern in which preferential treatment appears directed not so much at a specific team but at star players — raising suspicion that organizers want legendary players who drive tournament interest to remain in the competition as long as possible.

FIFA, however, has pushed back against the allegations surrounding its referees. According to the Associated Press, FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina defended the integrity of the officials involved in the Egypt match and warned that baseless accusations could lead to threats against referees.

The atmosphere back home told a different story. The AP reported that Egypt's players received a warm welcome from fans upon returning home after the loss to Argentina. Egypt's run to the round of 16 marked the first time the country had reached that stage of the World Cup, and the team's achievement has been widely celebrated regardless of the refereeing dispute.

Argentina continues in the tournament despite the controversy. But with Egypt and Algeria both raising formal objections, Messi's likely final World Cup campaign is drawing scrutiny not only for its results but for the officiating decisions surrounding it. Every refereeing call involving Argentina in the matches ahead is expected to face intense scrutiny.