English broadcaster Piers Morgan insinuated that FIFA has double standards in officiating, citing Argentina’s 3-0 rout of Algeria on Tuesday as the perfect example.
While Morgan conceded that Lionel Messi had a brilliant performance against their African soccer counterparts, presumably through gritted teeth, the longtime Cristiano Ronaldo supporter pointed out a key incident in the first half that might have changed the outcome of the match if it had been officiated properly.
“Brilliant performance by Messi last night – but he should have been sent off for this outrageous studs-up foul on Algeria’s Mandi. The fact he didn’t even get booked is ridiculous – could have broken the guy’s leg,” Morgan posted on X.
The challenge in question occurred right after the half-hour mark. Footage shows Messi giving Aissa Mandi a push on the back, and the Inter Miami star’s left foot hit the back of the Algerian defender’s right calf. Mandi went down, and Messi immediately went over to check on him, but the referees let the play go for some reason.
MORE: Lionel Messi makes first post after historic World Cup game
Pundits doubled down on Piers Morgan’s take on Lionel Messi against Algeria
Former football stars Nedum Onuoha and Ale Moreno agreed with Piers Morgan’s claim that Lionel Messi should’ve received a straight red card for his studs-up challenge on Aissa Mandi in the first half, which would’ve prevented him from completing his historic hat-trick.
“I’m going to approach this the same way Messi did, and I think it should have been a red card, in my opinion. It feels like the moment was missed,” Onuoha stated on ESPN UK. “When the player was on the floor, you could see Messi had a level of concern towards him because he knew that he’d potentially just done something that could get him in trouble.”
“100% a red card for Lionel Messi. It should have been. I tell you what else is concerning, and it plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment,” Moreno added.
For what it’s worth, neither Mandi nor his coach questioned the uncalled red card after the match. Look for Algeria to try and bounce back when they face Jordan next Monday in Santa Clara, California.
Jordan Samar
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Source: The Big Lead
