Lionel Messi delivered a stunning hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Tuesday — but a stamp incident in the first half threatened to overshadow his record-breaking night.

Early in the match, Messi appeared to stamp on the calf and Achilles area of Algeria's Aissa Mandi from behind while attempting a challenge. Mandi collapsed in pain, and replays raised serious questions about whether the Inter Miami forward deserved a booking — or worse.

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak took no action, and VAR did not appear to review the incident at all. The decision — or lack of it — ignited fury across social media, with thousands of fans arguing that any other player would have faced punishment.

Fan anger spills onto social media