Nah, theres direct comparisons between Messi and other players, when balogun fouled a player, he got a red card. When Messi fouled an Algerian player, he didn't get any card whatsoever even though it was the exact same foul committed by balogun
Balogun was never a red card in the first place. It was a mistake by the ref. And, it even got overturned - only two times we have seen red cards suspension - Balogun case and for Ronaldo.
Second, Swiss player deserved red card. He dived and rolled in pain as if some serious foul was committed despite no contact from Parades before dive. It was blatant attempt to fool ref in giving card to parades.
Refs can check VAR even after giving a card. We saw it many times. Ramos got yellow and then after VAR it became red.
Ronaldo once got no card but after VAR check got yellow.
It's upto refs and they do so when they feel there's a possible reason.
And, yes refs can check build up of play from the start to clear goals if players complaint and ref feels there's enough plausible cause.
They didn't do it for Jude first goal and it was a mistake.
There was no cheating. Refs and VAR are inconsistent due to subjectivity involved in implementation of rules. Nothing more