Former Bundesliga referee Patrick Ittrich has posited that Lionel Messi should have been sent off in Argentina’s World Cup 2026 group opener against Algeria on Tuesday.
Messi was the hero for the reigning World Cup champions, as he netted all the three goals in the 3-0 win against the Algerians.
The feat saw Messi broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
Also, the former Barcelona star equaled former Germany striker Miroslav Klose record of 16 World Cup goals.
However, the match was surrounded by a controversial incident that left fans and pundits questioning the officiating, as many football fans believe Messi should not have been on the pitch to complete the feat.
In the 31st minute, while attempting to challenge for the ball Messi stepped on the calf and Achilles tendon of Algerian player Aissa Mandi.
Also Read: World Cup 2026: Why I Cried After Netting Hat-Trick Against Algeria –Messi
The video assistant referee did not intervene after Polish referee Szymon Marciniak settled for a warning, which infuriated lots of football fans who argued that Messi should have been booked.
Reacting to the incident, Ittrich stated that according to the laws of the game, Messi deserved to be sent off.
“For me, that is a red card. We have various examples from the Bundesliga where that was punished with a red,” Ittrich told broadcaster MagentaTV where he is working as a rules analyst.
“By the letter of the law, that is a red. If I had seen it like that on the pitch, I would have shown red. If the referee had shown red, it definitely would not have been overturned.”
Messi is hoping to lead his country to a fourth World Cup title following their triumph in Qatar 2022.
He bagged a brace in the final against France which ended 3-3 with the Albiceleste going on to win via penalty shootout.
By James Agberebi
