As brilliant and utterly irrepressible as Lionel Messi is, there have been a few occasions during his illustrious career when opponents — and certainly opposition fans — have suggested that he has received “special treatment” from referees. What is certain is that, between scoring his first and second goals against Algeria, he got lucky. A challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, who was caught by Messi on his right calf and Achilles tendon, could have earned at least a yellow card — and plausibly a red card — but Polish referee Szymon Marciniak was content to award a free kick. It was a strange incident. Mandi was in control of the ball, going nowhere fast, and there was little prospect of dispossessing him from Messi’s position. To make a lunge like that, with his studs up, seemed incomprehensible, never mind dangerous. Special treatment? At the very least it was lenient refereeing. A yellow card would perhaps have been the most widely expected outcome — a red card second — but Messi was certainly lucky to get away scot-free. ✍️ @OliverKay FREE TO READ: nyti.ms/4vVqN2V

Leao save me

🚨 OFFICIAL: PORTUGAL XI VS DR CONGO. @ActuFoot_

🚨🌎 KYLIAN MBAPPE HAS MADE IT THREE FOR FRANCE! WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL! 🤯🤯 France 3-1 Senegal. x.com/chonglandk/status/2066…