Messi's hat trick tied for the most points at the World Cup...controversy over missed 'red card level' foul in the first half
Argentina's Messi scored a hat trick in the first match of the 2026 World Cup, tying Klose's record for most points, but a dangerous challenge on Mandy in the 31st minute of the first half was missed by VAR and was criticized by an ESPN commentator as a "100% red card." The opening match teeters between a historic feat and a questionable decision.
Argentina's Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Algeria, tying Miroslav Klose's record for most goals in the tournament with 16 goals. However, a dangerous challenge on the ice mandy in the 31st minute of the first half, in which Messi's stab hit a defender in the calf, was criticized by ESPN commentators Nedum Onuoha and Alejandro Moreno as a "100% red card". The play was missed by VAR, giving Argentina a 3-0 victory, but the decision has caused controversy.
