After the Messi controversy.. Did Bernardo Silva deserve to be sent off against Congo?

The Spanish account “Archivo Far”, which specializes in the analysis of arbitration cases, settled the controversy surrounding Bernardo Silva’s interference during the 2026 World Cup match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Wednesday night’s Group 11 match witnessed a scene that sparked widespread debate among fans on social media after the Portugal midfielder tackled DRC’s Eddy Kayembe amid calls for a straight red card from some supporters.

But Archive Far confirmed that the kick did not need to be sent off, pointing out that the referee’s decision not to show the new Real Madrid player a red card and settle for a yellow was legally correct.

A famous Spanish account explains that Bernardo Silva first touched the ball with the tip of his foot before the sole of his boot made contact with the opponent without excessive force interfering.

He added that the contact occurred during an air ball and was of limited intensity, preventing it from being classified as a case of serious foul play that required direct removal.

This comes after another controversial refereeing case involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi in their Group Ten match against Algeria earlier today.

In that case, Archivo VAR confirmed that the referee should have shown a red card to the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. After his violent intervention against defender Isa Mandi.

English arbitration expert Andy Davies also stressed that. Messi was lucky not to be sent off.