A Poland star has revealed that he made a €100 bet with Argentina's Lionel Messi during their 2022 FIFA World Cup clash on Wednesday night.
Lionel Scaloni's Albiceleste topped Group C following a comfortable 2-0 win over the European nation courtesy of strikes from Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, securing the team's spot in the round of 16.
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During the match, though, there was a controversial incident in which Messi fell to the floor holding his face after a collision with Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, although the shot-stopper appeared unconcerned about a potential foul being called.
However, to the surprise of the Juventus star and many watching, referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty to Argentina after a VAR review, with the goalkeeper judged to have caught Messi in the face with his arm while trying to collect a cross.
Szczesny has since revealed that he was so confident no foul would be given that he made a €100 (about R1 800) bet with Messi that the VAR review would not result in a penalty.
"No, I didn't [think the penalty would be given]," the 32-year-old told TV 2 Sport after the match, per CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.
"We spoke before the penalty and I told him [Messi] I can bet him €100 that he wasn't going to give it.
"So I've lost a bet against Messi. I don't know if that's allowed at the World Cup.
"I'm probably going to be banned for it. I don't care right now."
The Poland goalkeeper went on to become a hero for his nation as he saved the penalty, with the stop being crucial as it helped Poland progress to the knockout stage of the tournament via goal difference.
Had Messi's spot-kick gone in, Mexico would have progressed as there was only a one-goal difference between them and Poland.
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Szczesny later added that he was lucky to have already saved two penalties in the competition.
"I was fortunate twice this competition. It's a great moment in the career of a player, the World Cup is the maximum and this is special,' the former Arsenal star told RAI Sport.
"There's a bit of work that goes into it too, but in order to save a Messi penalty, you need some luck as well."
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