📸 Free pass? The flashpoint behind calls to send Messi off

A dreamlike night at Kansas City Stadium was overshadowed by refereeing controversy in the World Cup debut of Argentina and Algeria, following a decision that, for many, should have been called against Lionel Messi. 

The incident occurred in the first half, when the Inter Miami player came in from behind and stamped on Aissa Mandi, a challenge that Szymon Marciniak, the referee of the match, did not punish even with a yellow card. 

Refereeing experts pointed out the three reasons why Messi should not have remained on the field: full contact, excessive force, and endangering the physical safety of his opponent. 

Szymon Marciniak’s performance is controversial in itself, as his refereeing in the final between France and Argentina drew criticism after Leo’s second goal. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.