World Cup coach rages at Messi incident as three-match ban confirmed

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Argentina star Lionel Messi finds himself inadvertently in the midst of controversy following a three-match ban dealt out by FIFA at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi hit the headlines for the right reasons as he scored a hat-trick in the defending champions’ 3-0 win over Algeria, though it was not a match without debate.

During the game, the Inter Miami star challenged Algeria defender Aissa Mandi and raked his studs down the back of his opponents’ calf after an accidental tangle.

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The incident did not even earn the Argentine a yellow card.

That decision has left South Africa manager Hugo Broos perplexed after seeing his midfielder Themba Zwane dismissed during the opening clash against Mexico.

To make matters worse for the South Africans, who also saw Yaya Sithole sent-off in that game, Zwane has been hit with a three-match suspension by FIFA. As such, the Mamelodi Sundowns player will not be able to feature until the last 16 of the competition, if Bafana Bafana defy expectations and progress that far.

“I don't want Messi to be sent off, because a player like him has to be on the field. We've all seen what a fantastic player he is, but what's the difference? The red card for Zwane was excessive. I saw the situation again and I don't think it was a red card. And when I compare it to what happened with Messi, I certainly don't agree. I don't think there was even a VAR review in Messi's incident, while there was in Zwane's,” Broos complained.

“If you analyse the situation, the Mexican player is blocking mine. He's not looking at the ball, he's just grabbing Themba. Themba tries to break free, puts his arm above his shoulder, and because of that, you get a red card and are suspended for three games? I'm sorry, that's an exaggeration.”

South Africa face an uphill task to qualify following their loss to Mexico but a positive result against the Czech Republic on Thursday would give them a fighting chance of progression ahead of a clash with South Korea.