Sports · Full coverage
FIFA Backs Referee's Decision Not to Send Off Messi
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
100% center
Center 2
First reported by Mako · Jun 18, 2026
What happened
FIFA has endorsed Szymon Marciniak’s refusal to send off Lionel Messi during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria. Former referee Rafał Rostkowski said the tackle was not serious enough for VAR intervention or a red card.
- 01FIFA backed Szymon Marciniak after Messi was not sent off against Algeria.
- 02Rafał Rostkowski said the referee made the correct call.
- 03The incident happened in the 31st minute, and Messi later scored a hat trick.
- 04Pierluigi Collina said FIFA did not view the tackle as violent conduct.
- 05Rostkowski said VAR had no basis to recommend a review.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
Related stories
Outcry After Messi Avoids Red Card in World Cup DebutJun 17, 2026Egyptian Fans Claim Messi Influenced Referees in Argentina World Cup WinJul 7, 2026Lionel Messi Confronts Referee During Argentina's World Cup Quarterfinal Win Over SwitzerlandJul 12, 2026Algeria files FIFA protest over refereeing in 3-0 loss to ArgentinaJun 19, 2026Argentina Faces Controversy Over Refereeing Decisions in World Cup RunJul 12, 2026VAR Intervention Leads to Historic Red Card in Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup MatchJul 12, 2026
