Szczesny Reveals How Much He Lost Betting With Messi, Admits He’ll ‘Probably Get Banned’

Poland keeper, Wojciech Szczesny has revealed that he lost a €100 bet with Lionel Messi over the penalty incident during Argentina’s win over Poland on Wednesday.

He is expecting disciplinary action from FIFA after admitting that he made a bet with Argentina star Lionel Messi mid-game.

Poland joined Argentina in the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday night, despite suffering a 2-0 defeat in Qatar. Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez were enough for Argentina to top Group C and set up a knockout tie with Australia.

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Poland also made it through as runners-up, but by tiny margins, with goal difference coming to their aid after Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1. On a night full of drama, there was also a saved penalty, with the Juventus keeper racking up his second spot-kick save of the tournament by keeping out Messi’s powerful effort.

The Argentina penalty was given in very contentious circumstances after Szczesny was deemed to have fouled Messi while attempting to punch a high ball clear. After consulting his pitchside monitor, referee Danny Makkelie spotted contact on Messi’s face.

It was during that break in play that Wojciech Szczesny says he discussed the incident with Messi – and made him a bet which could put him in hot water with the authorities. “No I didn’t [think it would be given],” he told Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Sport post-match.

“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.”

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

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The Juventus keeper has been in fine form in this World Cup and is now up to two penalty saves, having also denied Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari from 12 yards on matchday two.

Ultimately, his save against Messi turned out to be crucial for Poland in the goal-difference battle with Mexico as they also progressed to the last 16.

“I was fortunate twice this competition,” he told RAI Sport. “It’s a great moment in the career of a player, the World Cup is the maximum and this is special. 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.”