World Cup 2022: Szczesny Reveals He Made a Bet With Messi Over Controversial Penalty Decision

• Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he made a €100 bet with Lionel Messi
• Argentina were awarded a penalty after Szczesny was deemed to have fouled the superstar
• The Juventus keeper saved the penalty in a critical moment for the team's World Cup hopes

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said he made a bet with Lionel Messi over the controversial penalty decision late in the first half against Argentina.

The Juventus goalkeeper made his second penalty save in the 2022 World Cup, guessing correctly to swat Messi's effort away and keep the scoreline 0-0 at the break.

Despite producing a disappointing performance against the South Americans, Poland joined Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez were enough for Lionel Scaloni's side to top Group C and set up a knockout tie with Australia. The two-time World Cup winners began their tournament by suffering a historic defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Qatar 2022: Argentina coach blasted for 'criminal' decision during Saudi Arabia defeat

Football

Poland, on the other hand, were close to elimination. If Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 3-0, they would be out. However, Saudi scored in the 95th minute to confirm Mexico's exit from the tournament, according to Eurosport.

Szczesny's bet with Messi

According to the Mirror, Szczesny admitted that he made a bet with the Argentina captain about the penalty given to La Albiceleste.

Fans were outraged when referee Danny Makkelie awarded the penalty after a VAR check.

While the referee was consulting his pitchside monitor, Szczesny said he wagered with Messi that he wasn't going to give it, but the Polish keeper instead lost €100 to the Argentina captain.

He added that that decision would likely get him banned.

“We spoke before the penalty and I told him 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.”

World Cup 2022: Sergio Aguero fumes after he was blocked from accessing Argentina team in Qatar

Football

He jokingly added that he wouldn't pay Messi his money.

“I’m not going to pay him either. He doesn’t care about €100, come on!”

FIFA rules forbid players from engaging in any form of betting directly or indirectly. However, Szczesny is unlikely to face severe punishment.

His save turned out to be crucial, as Poland would've lost 3-0 and put their last 16 participation in serious jeopardy. The Europeans will face defending champions France in the last 16.

Messi's unwanted record

Sports Brief earlier reported on Messi setting an unwanted record at the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as a result of Szczesny's excellent save.

The deflected kick was Messi's second missed penalty at the Mundial, making him the first player in history to have two penalties saved in the global tournament.

The PSG superstar also missed against Iceland in Russia 2018. That day, Hannes Þór Halldórsson made big headlines for saving a spot kick from the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.