2022 FIFA World Cup: How Wojciech Szczesny owes Messi €100 despite saving his penalty

Seven time ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, was involved with the Argentine squad in a match day three clash against Poland, to determine qualification from group C, to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.

During the highly anticipated meeting, the Southern American side were sleek in possession, creating multiple chances in the early stages, one of which led to Messi being fouled by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who attempted to punch the ball away from the danger zone.

Initially, the foul didn’t seem to be an issue for on field referee, Danny Makkelie, until the intervention of the VAR who invited the center man to have a look.

During the review, Szczesny made a bet worth €100 with the Argentine captain that the VAR would not deem the challenge as a foul.

Unfortunately for the polish shot stopper, it didn’t take long for the decision to be made, resulting to a penalty which Messi took and missed, thanks to his excellent save.

Although the first half ended goalless, Argentina went on to score twice without reply in the second segment, to guarantee qualification and top spot in group C. The outcome of the other group game pitting Mexico and Saudi Arabia proved largely insignificant, as a 2-1 win for the Mexicans was far from enough, to push Poland off second spot who have France to face in the round of 16.

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