"I don't want Messi to receive a red card because he is a great player and needs to be on the field. But what's the difference? I am a bit disappointed with Zwane's three-match suspension," Broos stated.

Zwane received a red card in the 84th minute of South Africa's opening 2026 World Cup match on 11/6, a 0-2 loss to co-host Mexico. He was penalized for swinging his arm into Roberto Alvarado's face, resulting in a three-match ban.

In Argentina's match against Algeria on 16/6, Messi challenged from behind, with his studs landing on Aissa Mandi's calf. Despite the Algerian defender falling, clutching his leg in pain, referee Szymon Marciniak did not issue a card to Messi. The video assistant referee also did not intervene. The game continued, and Messi later scored two more goals, completing a hat-trick.

Messi steps on an opponent's shin in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener, where they defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, Missouri, on 16/6. *Screenshot DAZN*

According to coach Broos, Zwane's contact with Alvarado's face was merely an arm movement over the shoulder, driven by his determination. He argued that his player did not deserve a red card and a three-match ban. "The red card was too harsh. After reviewing what happened with Messi, I disagree even more with the penalty against Zwane. The video assistant referee did not even intervene for Messi," the South Africa coach added.

Broos was not alone; many experts, former players, and fans believed Messi deserved a card for the challenge. On ESPN FC, former El Salvador international Alejandro Moreno affirmed: "That was a 100% red card. Messi should have been sent off."

Oliver Kay of The Athletic also suggested Messi was fortunate to escape punishment. He believed the incident, where the Argentina captain's studs landed on Mandi's calf, warranted at least a yellow card, possibly a red, due to the potential for injury. While not accusing the referee of bias, Kay remarked that Szymon Marciniak's decision was lenient, and Messi not receiving any card was surprising.

Under football's laws, challenges with studs making contact with an opponent's leg can result in a red card if deemed "serious foul play" or a threat to player safety. Consequently, many believe Messi receives preferential treatment due to his exceptional status. Comments like "Messi plays by his own rules" were widespread on social media platforms Reddit and X.

South Africa faces a significant disadvantage, currently sitting last in Group A, three points behind Mexico and South Korea. They must secure points in their remaining two matches against the Czech Republic on 18/6 and South Korea on 24/6. The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16.

Argentina currently leads Group J, with three points and a superior goal difference compared to Austria.