Follow Us on Google
Lionel Messi was at the centre of a 2026 World Cup row after Argentina’s 3-0 victory against Algeria. Now, the 39-year-old could potentially be involved in another.
Many believed the Argentina superstar was lucky not to be shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. It caused lots of fans to claim that Messi was given preferential treatment by referees and officials.
That line of thinking has led to questions surrounding another incident involving the greatest of all time. Despite netting a hat-trick in the opening game for the world champions, some believe Messi should’ve seen red for covering his mouth.
After all, Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player at the World Cup to be sent off for covering his mouth during his country’s 1-0 win over Turkey. The newly introduced ‘Prestianni Law’ was invoked for the first time as the ex-Newcastle man covered his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player.
Other News
The rule was approved by IFAB to try and prevent derogatory comments being hidden after the controversy involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Immediately after VAR found Almiron guilty of breaking the newly introduced law, the referee was sent to the screen and sent the winger off. However, an image quickly appeared on social media showing Messi himself with his hand over his mouth while speaking in Argentina’s opener.
However, the law clearly states that a player will be sent off if they hide their mouth during a confrontation. Messi was simply speaking to his teammates after netting his second goal in the 60th minute, therefore not breaching the rules.
Henry Winter pointed out on X that there’s an emphasis on ‘confrontational’. He also revealed all players were informed of the new regulation pre-tournament.
