Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a €100 bet on opposing captain Lionel Messi during Wednesday’s match against Argentina at the World Cup that the referee would not award a penalty for the duel. Even if he loses the bet, he won’t pay the famous opponent.
The penalty was taken after Szczesny hit Messi on the head with his hand as he ran for the ball. Referee Danny Makkelie only awarded the penalty after the intervention of the video referee and a review of the situation from the video.
The Polish goalkeeper took advantage of the wait for the verdict to close the bet. “We spoke to Messi before the penalty and I told him I would bet 100 euros that the referee wouldn’t blow the whistle. So I lost the bet with Messi,” admitted Szczesny.
“I don’t know if it’s allowed at the World Cup, I’ll probably get some sort of punishment for it. But now I don’t care. I won’t pay Messi, he won’t settle for around 100 euros, don’t be crazy, I think he’s had enough,” he agitated the hand the thirty-two year old goalkeeper. Converted for around 2,400 kroner, he won’t be added to the Argentine’s portfolio.
However, the goalkeeper at least won the penalty shootout, taking out Messi’s penalty kick. Lui kicked the shot and helped his side keep a score in the goalless first half.
After the team change, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez decided the favorites to win, but even that was enough for the Poles to progress to the round of 16.
Szczesny also saved a penalty in his last game in a 2-0 win against Saudi Arabia.
“I was lucky twice in the tournament. It’s a great moment in my football career, the World Cup is the most important. There’s work to do, but you also need luck to take Messi’s penalty,” said the former Arsenal or AS Roma goalkeeper.
