A controversial red card issued to U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) forward Folarin Balogun has sparked debate, particularly after comparisons were drawn to a similar incident involving global soccer icon Lionel Messi that did not result in a penalty.
Balogun was sent off on Wednesday during a match described by fans as a "massive price" for a play that some have labeled "insane." The incident occurred as Balogun jockeyed for position in a free-ball scenario with Bosnia-Herzegovina center back Tarik Muharemovic. Muharemovic fell to the ground after the collision, prompting referees to review the play using VAR technology in slow motion.
Fans and analysts have pointed to a prior group stage match where Messi, while on defense, stepped on the back of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi's calf with studs up in an attempt to win the ball. Mandi was visibly in pain and went down, but his teammates did not surround the referees to demand a review, and Messi was not shown a yellow or red card for the challenge.
ESPN FC pundit Ale Moreno commented on the disparity, stating, "It’s 100 percent a red card for Lionel Messi. Should have been. It plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment." Moreno suggested that the focus on Messi's pursuit of a hat trick, even with a goalkeeper save, indicated a different level of scrutiny.
While Messi went on to score a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory following his incident, Balogun's red card means he will miss the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday. The differing outcomes have led to accusations of preferential treatment for star players in international tournaments.