World Cup: Messi realised his mistake, apologised to me – Algerian defender, Mandi

Algeria defender, Aissa Mandi has said that Argentina captain, Lionel Messi expressed regret for a rough tackle on him during the South Americans’ 3-0 victory in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup last month.

After scoring the first goal in the 17th minute, Messi narrowly avoided a potential red card for a studs-up challenge on Mandi’s calf just 14 minutes later. 

The captain of Albiceleste went on to net two additional goals in the second half, making him the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history.

Nevertheless, Messi might not have remained on the field to achieve this milestone had he been penalised for the challenge from behind that caught Mandi’s calf.

Referee Szymon Marciniak only issued a free-kick, and VAR did not intervene, prompting the Algerian Football Federation to file a formal complaint with FIFA.

Mandi commented on the incident (as reported by Trend EFL), “Messi recognized that he had made a mistake and quickly came over to apologise and check on my condition. I told the referee: ‘Look, that was a high tackle,’ and when I got back up, I indicated that VAR should review the play.”

He elaborated that he did not understand the seriousness of the tackle until he returned to the dressing room, stating,”The significant difference between you as spectators watching on screen and us on the field is that you see the replay and can gauge the force of the tackle within five seconds, while we do not have that advantage. 

“I certainly felt the impact, but I did not realize its severity until I was in the locker room, where I experienced intense pain and was informed: ‘That tackle deserved a red card; watch the replay.’”

Ultimately, the Albiceleste secured a 3-0 victory, with Messi scoring all three goals, bringing him level with Miroslav Klose (16) for the most goals in World Cup history.