Despite both performing the action of covering their mouths with their hands on the pitch, Miguel Almiron received a red card while Lionel Messi went unpunished, thereby sparking a wave of controversy at the 2026 World Cup.
Following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria on June 17, a series of opinions appeared on social media suggesting that the 38-year-old superstar was favored by FIFA and the referees. Previously, Messi escaped a red card despite a dangerous tackle on defender Aissa Mandi, prompting many fans to question the fairness of the match officiating.
Controversy further erupted when a photo capturing the moment Messi covered his mouth with his hand while speaking on the pitch was widely circulated. Many wondered why the Argentina captain was not sent off, while Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron received a red card for a similar action.
Almiron became the first player to be sent off under a new regulation called the “Prestianni Law”. In Paraguay’s 1-0 victory over Turkey on June 20, the former Newcastle star was spotted covering his mouth with his hand while arguing with an opponent. After VAR intervened, the referee reviewed the situation and immediately showed a red card.
However, Messi’s case is completely different. According to the text of the regulation, a player is only sent off if they cover their mouth in a confrontational situation or an argument with an opponent. Meanwhile, the image of Messi was recorded while he was communicating with his teammates after the second goal against Algeria.
Renowned journalist Henry Winter also emphasized that the key keyword of the regulation is “confrontational”. He stated that all players participating in the 2026 World Cup were briefed in detail by FIFA regarding the new law before the tournament kicked off.
Therefore, Messi’s action did not violate the current regulation. On the contrary, Almiron’s red card was confirmed by FIFA to be completely in line with the new law applied at the 2026 World Cup.
