‘Messi Should Have Seen a Red Card’: Ex-FIFA Referee Makes Explosive World Cup Claim… Was Argentina’s Star Given Special Treatment?

A fresh debate over Lionel Messi and refereeing decisions at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has erupted after former FIFA referee Keith Hackett claimed the Argentina captain should have been sent off during a group-stage match.

Hackett, one of football’s most respected former officials and a former head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has publicly questioned the handling of a challenge involving Messi against Algeria defender Aissa Mandi. According to him, the incident warranted a straight red card under the Laws of the Game.

The challenge, which occurred in the 31st minute of Argentina’s group-stage fixture, was reviewed by match officials but did not result in a dismissal. The decision has since become one of the tournament’s most discussed refereeing moments, with fans and pundits divided over whether the correct call was made.

ALSO READ : ‘I’m Going to Play Against Messi… I Can Retire’: Switzerland Star’s Viral Remark Adds Extra Buzz to Argentina World Cup Clash

Speaking about the incident, Hackett suggested that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system failed to intervene despite being designed to correct clear and obvious errors.

While avoiding direct accusations, the former referee admitted that the situation had created a perception that football’s biggest stars may sometimes receive different treatment on the pitch.

According to Hackett, the laws of football must apply equally to every player, regardless of reputation or achievements. He argued that if a challenge meets the criteria for serious foul play, referees are obligated to issue a red card, whether the player involved is an emerging talent or one of the sport’s greatest icons.

At the same time, Hackett also stressed that highly skilled players such as Messi deserve protection from dangerous tackles by opponents. He noted that referees have the responsibility to prevent reckless challenges while also ensuring disciplinary decisions remain fair and consistent.

The comments have once again reignited discussions surrounding VAR and officiating standards during the tournament. Every major refereeing decision involving Argentina has attracted intense scrutiny, particularly because of Messi’s status as one of the greatest footballers in history.

Supporters of Argentina maintain that match officials have followed the rules and that every contentious decision has been assessed according to the available evidence. Others argue that greater consistency is needed in the application of disciplinary laws, especially during football’s biggest competition.

Neither FIFA nor the tournament’s refereeing committee has issued any fresh statement regarding the incident highlighted by Hackett.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its decisive stages, discussions about refereeing consistency and the role of VAR continue alongside the action on the pitch. Whether Hackett’s comments influence the wider debate remains to be seen, but they have certainly added another layer of controversy to an already dramatic tournament.