Patrick Ittrich, a former Bundesliga referee now working as a rules analyst for broadcaster MagentaTV, has said that Lionel Messi should have been dismissed during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage opener on Tuesday.

Messi delivered a stunning individual performance, scoring all three goals to give the reigning world champions a commanding win — and, in doing so, broke Cristiano Ronaldo's record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup. He also equaled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

The controversial incident

In the 31st minute, Messi stepped on the calf and Achilles tendon of Algeria's Aissa Mandi while challenging for the ball. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak issued only a warning, and the video assistant referee chose not to intervene — a decision that drew fierce criticism from fans and pundits who felt Messi should at least have been cautioned.

Ittrich went further, arguing that the laws of the game demanded a red card.