Lionel Messi scores historic World Cup hat-trick but avoids red card in Argentina win

Lionel Messi made history with a stunning World Cup hat-trick against Algeria but fans think the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was lucky to avoid a red card in the opener.

Messi drew level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals after a trio of strikes, including a stunning effort to open the scoring 17 minutes in.

The reigning world champions ran out comfortable winners in Kansas City, with Messi breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record as the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup.

However, Messi was involved in controversy as the 38-year-old produced a poor challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi with just over 30 minutes played.

After being dispossessed, Messi fought to win the ball back but Mandi got his body in the way and the Barcelona legend ended up raking his studs down the back of his opponent's calf.

He fell to the turf in agony and Messi immediately raised his hands before checking on Mandi as he lay on the floor.

But despite the reckless challenge, referee Szymon Marciniak did not punish Messi and there was intervention from VAR.

Messi completely avoided any sanction and then went on to score a further two goals in the second half.

On social media, fans were adamant that the Inter Miami star should have been sent off after a VAR review and some even claimed the tournament is 'rigged' by FIFA as a result.

How did he escape being send off here 😳 pic.twitter.com/7mWYQ7vkzt

— ....Tai ⚽️⚽️🇺🇸 (@Tai_Tife_Austin) June 17, 2026

One user commented: "There's no way this isn't a red card. Even Messi himself realized the blunder he made. They didn't even give him a yellow."

A second fumed: "The fact that they denied Messi a red card for that case is something FIFA has to come out and explain to us."

A third added: "This should have been a straight RED CARD for Messi but since .@FIFAWorldCup is always scripted we will take it like that."

A fourth wrote: "Because it’s Messi, he escaped a red card that 99% of players would get. What’s the point of FIFA rules if there are favourites?"

Lionel Messi makes emotional admission after World Cup hat-trick

Having suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Inter in the MLS, Messi recovered to start the first game and produce match-winning heroics.

After his first strike, Messi broke down in tears and was seen using his shirt to wipe them away.

Following the victory, he spoke about his emotional reaction and revealed that he cried over something that had nothing to do with football as he thanked his teammates for their support.

He admitted: “I cried after the first goal, yes… But it was something completely unrelated to football.

“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength”.

Argentina return to action on Monday against Austria at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Messi one goal away from becoming the all-time record World Cup goalscorer.