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.

How Lionel Messi Avoided Red Card vs Algeria

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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.

FIFA Statement After Almiron Red Card

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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.”

Liverpool are preparing for life under new manager Andoni Iraola after the former Bournemouth boss was announced as Arne Slot’s replacement earlier this month.

The Reds endured a disappointing Premier League title defence last season, scraping a fifth-place finish while failing to reach the latter stages of any cup competitions which subsequently cost Slot his job.

Alongside a change in the dugout, two long-term servants in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson also departed at the end of the campaign after nine and ten seasons at the club, respectively.

The Reds have already signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna and saw an opening bid of around 100million euros for RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande rejected earlier this week.

Their transfer business isn’t expected to stop there though as Iraola looks to sculpt his new team in his vision.

Liverpool in talks with Wharton

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Another player strongly linked with a switch to Anfield this summer is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton who is courting interest from a number of England’s top clubs.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are the midfielder’s “strongest admirers” and have “held talks” with the Englishman’s representatives, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix.

The 22-year-old, who reportedly wants to join, has been a sensation at Selhurst Park since his move from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, playing 96 times and helping the Eagles to FA Cup and Conference League glory.

His rise has also coincided with a senior England debut, making four caps for the Three Lions before missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.

It is currently unclear exactly how much Wharton would cost, but £70million is the latest fee to be suggested with Palace expected to demand a significant figure.

Wharton is perfect for Liverpool

While Dominic Szobozlai was voted as Liverpool’s player of the season last term, elsewhere there were a number of inconsistent performers in the middle of the park, suggesting that the Reds’ core could do with a refresh.

Now with two-and-a-half years of experience at Premier League level, alongside a taste of senior international football, Wharton is clearly ready to play for one of Europe’s top clubs.

The 22-year-old would offer much-needed balance to the Liverpool midfield at the base, known for his ability to control the game and incredible football intelligence. Too many times last term, the Reds were caught out in possession, something Iraola will be looking to address immediately.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, a significant claim for such a young player. However, there is no doubt that a move to a club of Liverpool’s stature could help Wharton’s trajectory continue to head upwards.

Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery reached a whole new level last season as they lifted the Europa League title, the club’s first piece of major silverware for 30 years.

The Villans also finished fourth in the Premier League and will compete in the Champions League this campaign once again.

Villa will be looking to continue their progress by adding new players in the transfer window. The club isn’t in need of wholesale changes, but a few tweaks here and there may help them ensure their trajectory remains headed upwards.

One of the positions that Emery may look to make a change in is goalkeeper, with long-term number one Emi Martinez’s future unclear.

Villa scouting World Cup star

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One goalkeeper whose name has been linked with Villa in recent days is Japan star Zion Suzuki, who has made headlines for his fascinating upbringing while competing at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was born in Newark, United States to a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father and moved to Japan as a child.

Suzuki currently plays in Serie A for Parma and is becoming one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe after an impressive campaign in Italy.

A broken hand kept the Japan international sidelined for four months, but either side of his mid-season layoff, the 23-year-old made 22 appearances, keeping six clean sheets and has become Japan’s outright first-choice.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Premier League clubs are starting to show “great interest” in Suzuki, with Aston Villa known to have scouted the goalkeeper, while Leeds United are “also gathering information”.

Is Martinez’s time at Villa over?

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It looked as though Martinez would be leaving Villa Park last summer, especially after the Argentine was left out of a matchday squad to face Crystal Palace last August amid interest from Manchester United.

In the end, the goalkeeper stayed at Villa and went on to help the club lift the Europa League. Once again though, the 33-year-old’s future is unclear.

Having signed for the Villans from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has played a key role in the club’s progress from relegation fodder to top-four finishers and trophy winners over the past six years.

The goalkeeper’s stock rose tremendously after helping Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar three-and-a-half years ago but he remained at Villa.

Now though, it feels like the shot stopper’s time in the West Midlands has come to a natural end and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Villa recruit a new number one and allow Martinez to depart for a fresh opportunity.