Algeria defender Aissa Mandi revealed that Lionel Messi apologized to him after a dangerous challenge during Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The incident occurred in the 17th minute when Messi opened the scoring, but later escaped a potential red card after catching Mandi on the calf with a studs-up tackle.Polish referee Szymon Marciniak only awarded a free-kick, and VAR didn't review the incident.This led to a formal complaint from the Algerian Football Federation to FIFA.

Despite the controversy, Messi stayed on the pitch and completed a second-half hat-trick, becoming the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match.He tied with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.Mandi explained that Messi immediately acknowledged his mistake, apologized, and checked on his condition.Mandi also noted that spectators can see replays instantly, while players don't have that advantage.The tackle's severity wasn't clear until after the match when Mandi experienced intense pain in the locker room.Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Messi scoring all three goals as the reigning champions advanced from the group stage.