Algerian TV pundit sparks backlash with claim Messi is protected by Jewish lobby

An Algerian television commentator has triggered outrage after saying in a live broadcast that Lionel Messi is protected by the “Jewish lobby,” following disputes over whether the Argentina star should have been sent off in the World Cup match between Algeria and Argentina. The remarks were made by analyst Mostafa Al-Mazouzi, who also suggested that global football authorities are against Algeria because of its political positions.

The controversy stems from the first-round match in the 2026 World Cup, in which Messi scored a hat-trick and equaled the tournament’s all-time scoring record. Algeria’s football association has already filed an official complaint, but local debate escalated further on television.

On air, Al-Mazouzi said, “Messi is protected. They admitted it themselves.” He added, “Messi is protected by the Jewish lobby. This lobby rules the world, it runs the world however it wants, like a mafia. Gianni Infantino does not want us to succeed.” He said Algeria is “a country of honor” that supports Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause, and claimed, “Even if we had the ability to win the World Cup, they would find a way to stop us.”

The flashpoint was a 32nd-minute incident, when Argentina was already leading 1-0 and Messi had scored the opener. Messi went for the ball against an Algerian defender, missed it and struck the player’s leg, with replays appearing to show his studs above the ankle. The incident apparently was not reviewed by VAR, and Messi did not receive a red card, fueling Algerian claims of bias.