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Comparisons between the Messi and Balogun incidents
The dismissal of the American striker Folarin Balogun in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina early today, in the 32nd round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has raised a great wave of anger in the United States of America.
The American team won against Bosnia and Herzegovina2-0, setting up a match with Belgium in the round of 16.
Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute against Bosnia after the American striker ran over the leg of a player from behind during a challenge. After referee Raphael Klaus reviewed the kick, the Monaco striker was sent off.
Therefore, the American team will have to play the next match without the player who scored three times.
According to the newspapercome on“and location”Miss MercatoThe ejection decision sparked outrage among the American team, as well as many celebrities and fans in the United States, who expressed their anger by comparing the game to Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s incident against Algeria.
The shootout between Argentina and Algeria sparked widespread controversy as many confirmed that Lionel Messi deserved to be sent off after his brutal tackle on Algeria defender Issa Mandy.
After America’s Argentina coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed strong displeasure with his technical department at the time of the dismissal, he spoke at the post-match press conference, saying: that now.”
He continued. “You know those swing decisions, well, there wasn’t a decision in our favor.”
Former player and sports analyst Alexis Lalas has posted a photo of Lionel Messi, condemning what he sees as a stark difference in attitude.
American football star Patrick Mahomes also commented on his Instagram page at the time of the leak, saying:
American player Weston McKenney said after the game. “I think this is nonsense.”
As for the American media, there is no doubt that Balogun did not deserve to be fired.
For example, ESPN wrote: “Misapplication of VAR protocols resulted in Balogun being unfairly sent off,” arguing that slow-motion replays and still images should not have been used in this way and that they distorted referee Raphael Klaus’ vision and therefore his decision.
As for the fans, many expressed their anger at the decision, using a video of Messi against Algeria and talking about the difference in the attitude of players from different teams.
