How will Nigeria win World Cup when our good players play for England’ – Odemwingie

Former footballer now pundit, Alejandro Moreno, has stated that Lionel Messi should have received a red card during Argentina’s FIFA World Cup match against Algeria.

Although Messi netted all three goals, leading Argentina to a decisive 3-0 victory, the 38-year-old avoided any disciplinary action in the first half.

Approximately thirty minutes into the match, Algeria’s Aissa Mandi was seen in agony after Messi executed a studs-up challenge that struck the defender’s calf.

To the astonishment of the spectators, referee Szymon Marciniak allowed the game to proceed without issuing even a yellow card to Messi. The former Barcelona star went on scored twice in the second half.

Moreno was among those who found the referee’s decision unsatisfactory, asserting that Messi warranted a red card and labeling his challenge as ‘clumsy.’

In addition to the tackle, Moreno pointed out what he referred to as ‘preferential treatment,’ noting that FIFA president Gianni Infantino was seen smiling in the VIP section after Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane successfully saved one of Messi’s attempts.

“It’s 100% a red card for Lionel Messi,” Mereno said on ESPN. “It should’ve been. I’ll tell you what else is concerning and it plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment.

“When he was about to score a hat-trick and goalkeeper [Luca] Zidane made a save, they showed [Gianni] Infantino smiling as if to say ‘that was close’. And it does play into that narrative of, ‘oh yeah, this guy’s getting a different sort of treatment.”

The pundit also questioned why referee Marciniak was not called by VAR to review the challenge before doubling down on his red card claim.

“We don’t even have to see the still, if you see the live video, it felt like a bad challenge to begin with. Then you see the replay, and this is a bad challenge. Somebody has to take a look at this. Why was the referee Szymon Marciniak not called over to review it?

“It should have been a red card for Lionel Messi. As much as I love Lionel Messi, that was a clumsy challenge, a bad challenge and you’re raking the back of somebody’s calf all the way up from the knee down to his ankle. It should have been a red card,” he added.

The on-field decision further sparked debate after it was confirmed that it was the same referee who officiated Argentina’s clash with France in the 2022 World Cup final.

2026 World Cup: Moreno slams referee for not giving Messi red card against Algeria

Manchester United is planning to sign two players to replace outgoing midfielder Casemiro at Old Trafford.

Recall that Man United recently announced that Casemiro will leave the Red Devils at the end of the season.

The Brazilian had joined the Premier League club from Real Madrid in 2022.

However, Man United is already planning to sign two midfielders in the summer transfer window to compensate for Casemiro’s departure

The likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been heavily linked with United.

But, according to talkSPORT, United are now planning to sign two of the three transfer targets to bolster the midfield options for their next permanent manager, as Michael Carrick was only appointed on an interim basis following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

EPL: Man Utd to sign two midfield players to replace Casemiro

The opening round of the 1xCup 2026 group stage delivered fans an exciting start to the main phase of the tournament. From September 15 to 17, nine matches were played at Inspire Sports Arena, producing 22 goals and plenty of drama as teams showed character, intensity and determination to fight for a place in the playoffs until the final whistle.

The group stage has only just begun, but the opening fixtures have already produced several major talking points: a brace from Joel Emanuel, a hat-trick by Emeka Sylvester, an impressive comeback from BYT Academical FC, another pair of clean sheets for Newhope Maija FC and Kiraa FA, and a convincing victory for 36 Lion FC over one of the tournament’s notable contenders.

Vido 99 FC 3-1 Emiloju FC

The opening match of the 1xCup 2026 group stage turned out to be one of the highest-scoring fixtures of Matchday 1. Joel Emanuel gave Vido 99 FC an early lead before Victor Adebayo doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Faruq Abubakar pulled one back from the penalty spot before the break, but Joel Emanuel struck again in the second half to complete his brace and seal a convincing 3-1 victory for his team.

JP Young Stars FC 1-1 BYT Academical FC

The Eagles completely outplayed their opponents in the first half, giving them almost no opportunity to threaten their goal. In the 24th minute, Yayah Wasiu turned JP Young Stars FC’s dominance into a goal. After the break, however, BYT Academical FC managed to change the course of the game and find an equaliser.

Newhope Maija FC 0-0 Kiraa FA

This was the only goalless draw of Matchday 1. Both teams were solid defensively but struggled to turn their attacking ideas into clear-cut chances. The goalkeepers of Newhope Maija FC and Kiraa FA both recorded their third clean sheets of the tournament, the best record in the competition so far.

Kiraa FA particularly missed striker Emmanuel Ben, who has scored four goals in two matches and remains among the top three scorers at the 1xCup 2026.

Ecas FA 0-1 AUX FC

Ecas FA registered more attempts on goal, but AUX FC were more clinical with their opportunities. The visitors’ coach made an inspired substitution, bringing on Arong Theophilus in the 40th minute. He later provided the assist for Aron Ogodogbo, who scored the only goal of the match.

Ajuwa FC 4-0 Joy Cometh FC

Sunday Olamilekan Akanji’s early dismissal disrupted the visitors’ game plan. Joy Cometh FC managed to withstand the pressure during the first half, but after the break Ajuwa FC made full use of their numerical advantage. Emeka Sylvester completed a hat-trick to secure three points for his team and move into second place in the 1xCup 2026 goalscoring rankings.

Tonic FC 1-1 Mega 22 FC

The teams exchanged goals in the first half before becoming more focused on protecting their own goal after the break. A 1-1 draw was ultimately a fair result in an evenly contested match in which both sides enjoyed periods of control but neither managed to find the decisive breakthrough.

36 Lion FC 4-1 Ighalo FC

The runners-up from the inaugural 1xCup season began their group-stage campaign with a heavy defeat. The first half was evenly contested, with Ezeji Ikenna scoring his sixth goal of the tournament to strengthen his lead in the race for the Golden Boot. After the break, however, the Lions showed their killer instinct and gave their opponents no chance, pulling away to claim an emphatic victory.

Maryland United FC 2-1 Crystal FC

Maryland United FC started strongly and had built a comfortable two-goal advantage by half-time. Crystal FC reduced the deficit after the break and gained a numerical advantage from the 70th minute onwards. Even with an extra player, however, the visitors were unable to rescue the match as Maryland United FC held on for an important three points.

Inspire SA 0-1 Young Strikers FC

It was a closely contested match decided by one clinical finish. Young Strikers FC took their opportunity and managed to secure all three points despite sustained pressure from their opponents. Agboluaje Fawaz tried to rescue his team, but his efforts lacked the accuracy required to find the net. It was the striker’s first match at the 1xCup 2026 in which he was not named MVP.

The group stage is only getting started

Matchday 1 showed just how competitive and unpredictable the battle for qualification is likely to be. Some teams have already underlined their title ambitions, others have been handed painful lessons, while several players are beginning to emerge as new stars of the tournament.

Matchday 2 of the 1xCup 2026 group stage is coming soon. Follow the rise of new football talents, support the teams representing your communities and stay tuned for the biggest moments from Nigeria’s favourite grassroots football tournament. 

https://1xcup.ng/fixtures

Goals, Drama and Big Performances: What Defined the Start of the 1xCup 2026 Group Stage?