Argentine star Lionel Messi opened the 2026 World Cup with a dominant performance and a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, as the defending champions began their title defense. During the match, however, Messi was involved in a controversial incident that appeared to merit a red card after he seemed to stamp on an Algerian player’s shin. The referee did not send him off, triggering debate worldwide.
That controversy drew a bizarre response in Algerian media. Television pundit Mostafa Mazouzi claimed Messi was protected because he belongs to a Jewish lobby that controls world affairs. He said that support from influential figures and this alleged lobby helped Messi win the World Cup and Argentina’s opening match in this tournament.
Mazouzi went further, saying the same lobby did not want Algeria to advance because the country supports the Palestinians. In a live broadcast, he said, “Messi belongs to the Jewish lobby. They are the ones who control the world and do whatever they want in it! It is a mafia! Infantino does not want your good!” He added that Algeria, which also supports the Western Sahara issue, should expect to be blocked from progressing.
His remarks were echoed by some, but they also drew strong backlash online. Critics said he was relying on one of the oldest antisemitic conspiracy theories to explain the referee’s decision and Algeria’s chances in the tournament.
