As brilliant and utterly irrepressible as Lionel Messi is, there have been a few occasions during his illustrious career when opponents — and certainly opposition fans — have suggested that he has received “special treatment” from referees.
What is certain is that, between scoring his first and second goals against Algeria, he got lucky. A challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, who was caught by Messi on his right calf and Achilles tendon, could have earned at least a yellow card — and plausibly a red card ��� but Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was content to award a free kick.
It was a strange incident. Mandi was in control of the ball, going nowhere fast, and there was little prospect of dispossessing him from Messi’s position. To make a lunge like that, with his studs up, seemed incomprehensible, never mind dangerous.
Special treatment? At the very least it was lenient refereeing. A yellow card would perhaps have been the most widely expected outcome — a red card second — but Messi was certainly lucky to get away scot-free.
✍️ @OliverKay
FREE TO READ: https://t.co/qmXtQ0ErQN
🇦🇷🇩🇿 A lot of people are saying Messi should’ve seen a red card 🟥 here, but if you really take a closer look at the situation, analyze his body position, consider the angle of his foot, factor in the movement of the Algerian player, take the emotional context of the match into account and seriously ask yourself why Messi’s foot ends up exactly there…
you’ll come to the only logical conclusion:
That is absolutely a red card.
🚨 Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! Agreement in place and contract approved.
Two year deal plus one year option, fast deal by Madrid started 36h ago and closed immediately.
Mourinho wanted Bernardo, he says yes and advanced talks revealed today are 100% confirmed.
@THECRIMESAGA As soon as you become a knight, you can only move in an L-shape. On the positive side, you can jump over people if you want. Even kings can't do that.