Controversy over Lionel Messi’s record 17th FIFA World Cup goal, questions raised on VAR; Veteran Peter Schmeichel said – this goal should not have been considered

Argentina captain in FIFA World Cup 2026 Lionel Messi By scoring a goal against Austria, he made the record of becoming the highest goalscorer in the history of the tournament. However, controversy has now arisen over this historic achievement. Football experts and former players believe that Messi’s first goal should have been canceled after VAR review.

Argentina registered its second consecutive win by defeating Austria 2-0 in the Group J match and almost confirmed its place in the knockout stage. Messi scored two goals in this match, but his first goal is being discussed the most.

Peter Schmeichel raised questions on the referee’s decision

Former Denmark goalkeeper and Manchester United legend peter schmeichel said during the broadcast that Messi’s first goal was not legitimate.

He said that just before the goal was scored, the Argentinian players alexis mac allister Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager Was hit from behind, which was clearly a foul.

Schmeichel said it was a clear and serious refereeing mistake, which VAR should have corrected. According to him, after that foul, Austria should have stopped the game and given a free-kick, but it did not happen and with the same move, Messi scored the goal.

Messi broke the big record of World Cup

With this goal, Messi became the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The great striker of Germany Miroslav Klose He registered his 17th World Cup goal by leaving the ball behind.

After this, Messi also scored the second goal and gave Argentina a spectacular 2-0 victory. After two consecutive wins, Argentina has qualified for the last-32 stage. Now the team’s last group match will be against Jordan.

Messi has been in controversies before too

This is not the first time that a refereeing controversy regarding Messi has come to light in the current World Cup.

Even in the first group match against Algeria, Messi was not shown a red card for a studs-up tackle. Following that match, the Algerian Football Federation filed an official complaint, claiming that VAR did not intervene in several incidents involving Argentine players, including Messi.

Algerian officials said there were at least three occasions in which strict action should have been taken after video review, but this did not happen.

No statement came from FIFA

Despite the growing controversy over Messi’s goal against Austria, no official clarification has been issued by FIFA yet.

Football experts believe that if the purpose of VAR technology is to correct obvious refereeing mistakes, then serious questions are raised about its role in this case. On the other hand, Messi’s supporters say that the referee’s decision is final and the record has been officially recorded.

This controversy has now become one of the most talked about refereeing decisions of the World Cup and the debate on it is likely to continue in the coming days.