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Lionel Messi red card debate grows as Algeria lodge FIFA complaint

FIFA World Cup 2026: Algeria have written to FIFA over refereeing decisions in their 3-0 defeat to Argentina, including a challenge by Lionel Messi on Aissa Mandi. The complaint has widened the debate over VAR and disciplinary consistency at the tournament.

Lionel Messi had similar play as USMNT star Folarin Balogun — but didn’t earn red card as controversy brews

Lionel Messi got a friendly whistle. Folarin Balogun did not and paid a massive price. The USMNT star forward received a red card Wednesday, which has been described as “insane” and “Why FIFA sucks” by fans — and those same people won’t want to see that Messi didn’t even get a card for an extremely similar play earlier in the tournament.

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.

Alexi Lalas Blasts Folarin Balogun Red Card: 'If His Name Was Messi, He Would Have Still Played'

Balogun received a straight red card during the USMNT's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina

Former USMNT players go nuts about Lionel Messi foul that looked a lot like Folarin Balogun’s red card

Folarin Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute of their Round of 32 fixture at the World Cup, and former USMNT stars are not happy.