Fans question red card for Balogun after Messi incident in World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 2:25 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
Folarin Balogun received a red card during the USMNT's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup. The decision has sparked debate among fans, as they compare Balogun's foul to a similar incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament, where Messi was not penalized. Critics are highlighting perceived inconsistencies in officiating between the two cases. Social media has become a platform for expressing this outrage, with many fans calling for a review of the referees' decisions.
- •Balogun received a red card for a foul against Tarik Muharemovic.
- •The incident occurred in a Round of 32 match in the World Cup.
- •Fans highlighted Messi's unpunished foul in a previous game.
- •The debate centers on perceived preferential treatment in officiating.
- •Social media reactions have amplified scrutiny of the refereeing process.
- 2:25 AMYahoo Sports — Soccer fans point out red card hypocrisy over Folarin Balogun and Messi non-call
"Soccer fans wonder why Folarin Balogun got a red card but not Messi against Algeria.
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