The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has filed an official complaint with FIFA following their 3-0 loss to Argentina in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The complaint alleges that Argentina’s Lionel Messi benefited from controversial refereeing decisions during the game. Specifically, the FAF cited disputed calls that favored Messi and impacted the outcome of the match. This move is unexpected, as formal protests regarding refereeing are relatively uncommon. The FAF’s complaint seeks a review of the officiating and potentially further action from FIFA. The details of the specific incidents prompting the complaint have not been fully disclosed, but the FAF maintains the decisions were detrimental to their team’s performance. FIFA has yet to respond to the complaint.