Messi’s record-breaking World Cup goal sparks VAR debate after Argentina beat Austria

Lionel Messi moved to the top of the FIFA World Cup's all-time scoring list after scoring two goals in Argentina's Group J match with Austria on Monday (June 22), helping his side secure a 2-0 win at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While the result ensured Argentina's place in the Round of 32 with six points from two matches, discussion after the game focused largely on the circumstances surrounding Messi's first goal.

The opening goal allowed Messi to overtake Germany's Miroslav Klose in the tournament's scoring records, but it also triggered a debate about whether the goal should have been allowed to stand. According to some experts, a foul in the build-up had been missed by the officials and should have been reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Debate on Messi’s opening goal

Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel questioned the officiating and felt the goal should have been ruled out.

Also Read: Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with 18 goals as Argentina beat Austria

"I don't think that goal should have stood. Think about how they get the penalty. This is a kick from behind through Xaver Schlager. This is a free kick, Mac Allister has kicked the player down. That should have been a free-kick. Var should have taken that back. That is a clear and obvious mistake by the referee. And for that I feel a little bit frustrated,” said Schmeichel, speaking on Fox Sports.

VAR call under scrutiny

The controversy has added to the ongoing debate about refereeing involving Messi during the ongoing World Cup.

Also Read: Messi, David and Undav lead fierce FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race

Earlier, in Argentina's first group-stage game against Algeria, Messi reportedly appeared to avoid punishment for a tackle on defender Aissa Mandi.

After that match, the Algerian Football Federation formally complained about the officiating. "The complaint primarily concerns Messi's challenge, which, in everyone's opinion, deserved a red card,” said an official.

Earlier complaint

"There were also two elbow incidents... both of which warranted dismissals. We are not saying that the Argentine team was not strong, but we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice," the official was quoted as saying by AFP. "There were three incidents that were crystal clear, and VAR did not intervene,” he added.

FIFA is yet to publicly comment on the complaints surrounding Messi's opening goal against Austria.