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The United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) 2-0 triumph over Bosnia was overshadowed by a heated refereeing debate after Folarin Balogun was controversially sent off. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his striker, claiming the challenge was purely accidental, while former defender Alexi Lalas reignited controversy by comparing the incident to an earlier, unpunished tackle by Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

USMNT question consistency after Balogun dismissal

The United States managed a hard-fought 2-0 win against Bosnia, but Balogun’s dismissal in the 64th minute became the central talking point. Following an extended VAR check, the forward was shown a straight red card after his foot caught Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during a contest for possession.

The decision triggered debate when former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas circulated footage of a similar challenge made by Messi against Algeria earlier in the World Cup. Lalas argued that both incidents were nearly identical, yet Messi received no punishment. This inconsistency drew sharp criticism of the officiating standards and VAR’s application during the tournament.

Pochettino slams the sending-off

Pochettino was adamant that Balogun’s tackle did not merit a red card, maintaining that there was no intent to injure. The coach also shared that the striker was distraught upon learning he would miss the next game.

“For me? Never a red card,” Pochettino said. “There was never an intention to step on the opponent. It was a normal football action that happened accidentally.

“He’s very disappointed. It wasn’t intentional at all, and he’s upset. Unfortunately, we cannot change the situation. That’s football. Hopefully, we can progress to the next round so he can return to the pitch.”

Midfielder Weston McKennie echoed his coach’s frustration, admitting that the team felt let down by the referee’s decision. He explained, “I haven’t rewatched it, but the guys in the locker room were talking about it. Obviously, the referee made his call, but I think it’s questionable.

“There have been plenty of similar challenges in this tournament where no card was given, so it’s disappointing. I don’t know the protocol behind these decisions, but from what my teammates have said, I don’t think it’s a red card. At most, maybe a yellow, but definitely unintentional.”

Lalas highlights Messi double standard

Lalas further criticised the officiating, claiming Messi benefited from leniency in a comparable situation. He suggested that the disparity revealed a broader issue of inconsistency in how VAR has been implemented during the competition.

“That is not a red card,” Lalas stated on the State of the Union podcast. “I understand that it looks bad in real time and on replay, but you have to have a sense of the game. I thought it was a poor call.

“Let’s be honest—if his name were Messi, as we saw earlier in the tournament, he’d still be on the pitch and playing in Seattle on Monday.”

USMNT prepare for Round of 16 without Balogun

The United States now turn their focus to a Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle, where they’ll be without their top scorer. Pochettino must decide who will lead the line, with Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi both eager for the opportunity as the USMNT aim to reach the quarter-finals.