The formal grievance targets several decisions overseen by Polish match official Szymon Marciniak. It heavily details a dangerous 30th minute tackle in which Messi caught Aissa Mandi with his studs raised. The federation also highlighted a separate unpunished incident in which Mac Allister allegedly struck Ibrahim Maza with an elbow without receiving any sanction.
Football governing bodies have yet to release an official response to the inquiry. Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic addressed the controversy on the touchline frustration:
It's pointless commenting on hypothetical situations, but everyone saw it, including me.
The federation remains deeply aggrieved by the lack of protection afforded to their players during those unpunished physical exchanges. Despite the disciplinary drama, Messi marked his 200th cap with a treble that secured three historic points and equaled Miroslav Klose's all time tournament record of 16 goals.
Argentina must now shift focus toward upcoming Group J fixtures against Austria and Jordan as they pursue early qualification while managing external controversy around the opening result.
