Former United States international Alexi Lalas has posted a tweet, which has since gone viral, involving Argentina’s Lionel Messi after Folarin Balogun was sent off in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.

Balogun was controversially shown a straight red card, following a VAR review, for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

A VAR expert has since cast a strong verdict over the decision, explaining why this was “not a red card offence”. It’s also alleged that a VAR protocol was broken with the review that led to Balogun’s dismissal.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino described the incident as a “normal action in football that happened by accident”. The Argentine added: “It’s never intentional. That is why for me it’s never a red card.”

Pochettino will now be without Balogun, USA’s top scorer at this summer’s World Cup with three goals, for the last 16 clash against Belgium. There’s also a risk that FIFA will choose to extend the forward’s punishment if the USMNT progress further in the tournament.

Alexi Lalas Highlights Messi Incident After Balogun Red Card

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Outspoken FOX Sports pundit Alexi Lalas, who represented his country on 96 occasions between 1991-1998, posted a tweet with a clip of a similar incident involving Messi during Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria, alongside the caption: “‘Sup”.

Messi escaped punishment for a foul on Algeria defender Aissa Mandi, although some fans and pundits alike were convinced a red card should have been issued to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently leads the race for the World Cup Golden Boot award with France’s Kylian Mbappe on six goals.

On Balogun’s red card, Lalas said on FOX Sports: “That is not a red card. I understand that in the moment it looks bad, and when you see it on video it looks bad. But you have to have a feel and understanding of what’s going on. I thought it was a crap call.” He added:

Taylor Twellman, another former US international, followed suit, asking FIFA why Messi’s foul wasn’t reviewed by VAR.

The reason why Balogun was sent off but Messi was not is because the USMNT star’s challenge was deemed a “serious foul”. Messi’s challenge on Mandi was not perceived in the same way, despite the similarities of the two incidents.

Manchester United are not only looking to bolster their midfield options this summer, with a new left-winger also being looked at for the transfer window.

Jadon Sancho has officially left after his contract expired, while Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have departed permanently, leaving the club short of options in attack for the new season. Marcus Rashford is now an option to return to the first-team fold after Barcelona opted against making his loan permanent, but there are still options being looked at.

One of those is understood to be West Ham star Crysencio Summerville, but the club are also looking at alternatives, including one Ligue 1 sensation.

Man Utd Eyeing Fernandez-Pardo

According to Sky Sports, Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as a potential target for Man Utd as they look to bolster their forward options.

Fernandez-Pardo, who has been described as ‘one of the most promising forwards in Europe’, enjoyed a fine breakout season in Ligue 1 in the 2025/26 season as he scored eight goals and registered six assists in all competitions.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and also as a number ten, and Man Utd have identified the youngster as a potential option to come in and strengthen their forward line, as they prepare to enter the Champions League following their third-placed finish in the Premier League.

While there has been no formal contact or approach yet, United are alert to market opportunities at either left-wing or left-back, with a belief that Patrick Dorgu is capable of playing in both positions if needed.

Fernandez-Pardo has also attracted the attention of clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa this summer, but Lille are understood to be holding out for a big fee for their star forward as they look to keep hold of him for at least another campaign.

Fernandez-Pardo Could Be Wildcard Signing

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Carrick has made it abundantly clear that if it were up to him a new left-winger would be coming into the squad this summer.

The potential return of Rashford has potentially lessened that need for an immediate starter to come in, but he can’t and won’t play every game, while it’s fair to say that Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are both at their best in different roles.

Adding Fernandez-Pardo to the squad would provide quality depth and competition for the attacking positions, and his versatility means he’d be a welcome addition at Old Trafford for the right price too.

Everton are pushing to make some big additions to their squad this summer, and David Moyes has identified another option that could come in and do just that.

The Toffees are yet to formally announce any deals during the current transfer window, but have already agreed deals for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney and Chelsea starlet Arthur Barratt, while they are also closing in on an agreement for Chelsea winger Tyrique George following his loan at the club last season.

But after allowing Seamus Coleman to depart at the end of his contract, and with Nathan Patterson expected to be on the move, a right-back has been eyed as a priority position to strengthen.

Everton Eyeing Rico Lewis

Jack Grealish is someone that the club are very keen on bringing in from Man City on a permanent deal if they can, but TEAMtalk now report that his City teammate Rico Lewis has now also emerged as a target.

The right-back, who has been described as ‘extraordinary’, struggled for regular first-team football in the 2025/26 campaign under Pep Guardiola, having lost his place as a starter to Matheus Nunes.

Now, despite Guardiola being replaced by Enzo Maresca, it has emerged that the five-time England international will be allowed to leave this summer, with all parties believing a transfer is in their best interests.

Everton are understood to be a club who could emerge as serious contenders for his signature, with his homegrown status versatility and availability making him a genuine target.

Lewis has played in both full-back positions as well as midfield under Guardiola, and it’s the type of deal that could help Everton to fill a number of holes in their squad for a relatively modest fee. Both Lewis and City are open to an exit, although no asking price has been mentioned.

Everton Need Right-Back Additions

With Coleman no longer a player at the club, and Patterson expected to move on, Everton are light on options at right-back heading into the new season.

Recently it has been Jake O’Brien playing there, but he is a centre-back by trade and bringing in someone with an engine and an offensive threat from full-back would provide some exciting new options.

Lewis can do that, while also being comfortable playing in midfield if needed, and it could be a shrewd bit of business for the Toffees to get done, and may even help to build a relationship with City that could see a deal for Grealish, and potentially others, easier to do in the future.