World Cup: Lionel Messi Avoided Red Card For Covering His Mouth - Here’s Why

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Lionel Messi was at the centre of a 2026 World Cup row after Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria. Now, the 39-year-old could potentially be involved in another.

Many believed the Argentina superstar was lucky not to be shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. It caused lots of fans to claim that Messi was given preferential treatment by referees and officials.

That line of thinking has led to questions surrounding another incident involving the greatest of all time. Despite netting a hat-trick in the opening game for the world champions, some believe Messi should've seen red for covering his mouth.

After all, Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player at the World Cup to be sent off for covering his mouth during his country's 1-0 win over Turkey. The newly introduced 'Prestianni Law' was invoked for the first time as the ex-Newcastle man covered his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player.

The rule was approved by IFAB to try and prevent derogatory comments being hidden after the controversy involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

Immediately after VAR found Almiron guilty of breaking the newly introduced law, the referee was sent to the screen and sent the winger off. However, an image quickly appeared on social media showing Messi himself with his hand over his mouth while speaking in Argentina's opener.

However, the law clearly states that a player will be sent off if they hide their mouth during a confrontation. Messi was simply speaking to his teammates after netting his second goal in the 60th minute, therefore not breaching the rules.

Henry Winter pointed out on X that there's an emphasis on 'confrontational'. He also revealed all players were informed of the new regulation pre-tournament.

"Players can cover mouth if communicating with own team-mates, tactical etc. Can’t plead ignorance; all players were informed pre-tournament."

After controversy was sparked online surrounding Almiron's red card, FIFA have released a statement explaining why he was dismissed. Football's governing body confirmed this was one of the new rules implemented at the competition.

The statement read: "Following a VAR review in the FIFA World Cup match between Türkiye and Paraguay, Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth.

"Following a special meeting of The IFAB held in April, a number of amendments were introduced to be implemented at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This included a red card for any player in the tournament seen covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent."