Bas Nijhuis explains why Messi avoided red vs Algeria

Lionel Messi avoided a red card for his challenge against Algeria after Bas Nijhuis clarified on Thursday evening at Vandaag Inside that the incident lacked the brutality required by FIFA rules, noting the referee only issued a whistle and no yellow was shown despite the Argentine scoring three goals in the match. Bas Nijhuis said, “If you see the footage, you say: This is a red card,” while noting that in the Netherlands and at UEFA they would have wanted a red. He added that Messi received no yellow and the referee only whistled for a foul. He also noted that the VAR could have said: “Come look” but nothing was done. Nijhuis cited FIFA regulations stating that a player must be sent off only for a truly red offence. He argued the challenge lacked sufficient brutality, describing how Messi quickly pulled his leg away rather than extending fully.

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He expressed personal disagreement, saying he was surprised by the decision and did not agree with the lack of action. Nijhuis said the VAR could have intervened but nothing was done. Messi stayed on the pitch after the referee’s decision and went on to score three goals against Algeria, who were eliminated from the tournament. The Argentine side secured the win without further disciplinary incidents.

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Argentina’s group stage still includes fixtures against Austria and Jordan. These matches will determine their progression in the competition.