One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red in World Cup after controversial VAR call

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The Independent

2 July 2026

Folarin Balogun

was given a controversial red card after a

VAR

review in

USA

’s

World Cup

match against

Bosnia and Herzegovina

US striker Balogun, who scored his side’s opener in the first-half, looked in a state of shock after receiving a red midway through the second-half.

Balogun was tussling for the ball with Tarik Muharemovic before the pair’s legs tangled. Replays showed Balogun’s leg scraping down the calf of the Bosnian defender.

Balogun will now be suspended for a minimum of one match (Reuters)

Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not even give a free-kick but after play stopped, with both players injured, the VAR officials refereed Claus to the pitchside screen where he was shown the incident in super slow-motion, and the red-card was promptly rewarded.

Fans and pundits alike were quick to compare the incident to

Lionel Messi

’s unpunished challenge in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, where the Argentine captain did not receive a card of any colour.

Ex-England striker Sue Smith said on the BBC: “When it [the replay] stops like that you think one hundred per cent red card but I think when you watch it in real time it's really harsh.

“He's clearly just looking to protect the ball, get his body around and he's just planting his foot. It's just unfortunate where he plants it.”

It meant the US had to see out the remaining 25 minutes a man light, as they looked to secure their last-16 berth against Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

Balogun will receive a minimum one-match suspension for serious foul play, with the prospect of a game or two more should the

FIFA

disciplinary commitee. deem it worthy. The US can appeal the decision.

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