Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of a 2026 FIFA World Cup controversy after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, and the debate has continued over another incident involving the Argentina captain. Many fans believed the 39-year-old was fortunate not to receive a straight red card after a high challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi during the match. The incident sparked a wave of reactions, with some supporters accusing referees and officials of giving Messi special treatment because of his status in the game.

That argument led to further questions after images emerged showing Messi covering his mouth during Argentina’s opening match. Despite scoring a hat-trick in the defending champions’ comfortable victory, some fans questioned whether Messi should also have been punished under the same rule that saw Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron sent off.

How Messi avoided a red card against Algeria

Almiron became the first player at the 2026 World Cup to receive a red card for covering his mouth during Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey. The newly introduced “Prestianni Law” was used for the first time after the former Newcastle United player covered his mouth while involved in a confrontation with an opposition player. The regulation was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) following controversy involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, with the aim of preventing players from hiding potentially offensive comments.

After VAR reviewed the incident involving Almiron, the referee was called to the monitor before showing the winger a red card. However, a photo later circulated online showing Messi with his hand over his mouth while speaking during Argentina’s match, causing fans to question why he was not punished.

The difference comes down to the wording of the rule. The regulation states that a player will be sent off if they cover their mouth during a confrontational situation with an opponent. Messi’s incident happened after he scored his second goal in the 60th minute, when he was speaking with his own teammates rather than engaging in a confrontation. Football journalist Henry Winter highlighted the key detail on X, pointing out the importance of the word “confrontational”. He also explained that all players were informed about the rule before the tournament.

“Players can cover mouth if communicating with own team-mates, tactical etc. Can’t plead ignorance; all players were informed pre-tournament,” Winter wrote.

FIFA releases statement after Almiron red card

Following the controversy surrounding Almiron’s dismissal, FIFA released a statement explaining why the Paraguay star was sent off. Football’s governing body confirmed the punishment was part of the new rules introduced for the 2026 World Cup. The statement read:

“Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Türkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth. Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This included a red card for any player in the tournament seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent.”

The explanation has clarified why Messi avoided punishment while Almiron was dismissed, with the key difference being the context surrounding each incident. The new rule, officially known as the “Prestianni Law,” was introduced after an incident in a domestic league match where Prestianni covered his mouth while insulting an opponent. The IFAB decided that such behavior undermines the spirit of the game and that technology should be used to detect and punish players who attempt to hide verbal abuse or offensive language.

This has sparked a broader debate about the role of VAR in enforcing conduct on the pitch. Critics argue that the rule is subjective, as it depends on the interpretation of what constitutes a “confrontational situation.” Supporters, however, believe it is a necessary step to combat racism and discrimination in football. The 2026 World Cup marks the first major tournament where this rule is being applied strictly, and early incidents have already set a precedent.

The Messi controversy also highlighted the double standards that often exist in football. As one of the most decorated players in history, Messi has often been given the benefit of the doubt by referees, leading to accusations of favoritism. However, in this case, the strict application of the rule demonstrates that FIFA is committed to enforcing the law consistently, regardless of a player’s reputation.

Looking ahead, teams and players will need to be more cautious about their behavior on the pitch. The “Prestianni Law” is likely to remain a hot topic throughout the tournament, and any future infractions could significantly impact critical matches. As the World Cup progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this rule shapes the outcome of games and influences player conduct.

With the tournament still in its early stages, there have been no other reports of players being penalized for covering their mouths in non-confrontational contexts. However, the IFAB has made it clear that the rule is part of a broader effort to ensure fair play and respect among players. It remains to be seen whether further adjustments will be made after the World Cup, based on feedback from teams and referees.

In addition to the mouth-covering rule, the 2026 World Cup has introduced several other changes, including increased use of VAR for offside decisions and a new substitution protocol. These changes are designed to streamline the game and reduce controversies, but they also require players and coaches to adapt quickly. The impact of these alterations will be evaluated after the tournament, and future amendments could follow.

The Messi incident also raised questions about the consistency of VAR checks. While Almiron was punished quickly, many fans noted that Messi’s high challenge earlier in the match had not been reviewed. This inconsistency fuels the narrative that star players receive preferential treatment. However, FIFA has defended its officials, stating that each incident is judged on its own merits. The governing body also announced that it would review all controversial moments after the game to ensure transparency.

As the World Cup continues, the focus will remain on the pitch, but the rulebook changes have already made headlines. The “Prestianni Law” is a clear signal that FIFA is taking a hard stance against any form of verbal abuse, and players will need to think twice before covering their mouths in any heated exchange. For Messi, the incident serves as a reminder that even the greatest players are not above the rules, though in this case, his actions were deemed acceptable. For Almiron, the red card was a harsh lesson in the new reality of international football.

The broader implications of this rule extend beyond the World Cup. Domestic leagues around the world may adopt similar measures, leading to a shift in how players communicate during matches. Coaches will need to train their players to avoid gestures that could be misinterpreted, and the role of VAR will continue to evolve. The 2026 World Cup is acting as a laboratory for these innovations, and the results will influence football for years to come.

Ultimately, the distinction between Messi and Almiron comes down to the context of the action. While both players covered their mouths, only Almiron did so in a confrontational situation with an opponent. This nuance is key to understanding the rule and its application. As more incidents occur, the precedents set by these early decisions will shape how the rule is enforced. For now, Messi can breathe a sigh of relief, but the controversy has ensured that every player will be under scrutiny every time they raise a hand to their mouth.

Source: MSN News