Poland keeper Szczesny bet Lionel Messi nearly £100 dodgy penalty wouldn't be given

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has admitted he bet Lionel Messi €100 (£86) that his penalty wouldn’t be given by the referee during their World Cup clash.

Argentina defeated Poland 2-0 on Wednesday night through second-half goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez. Poland still got through to the last-16 as runners-up on goal-difference, but would have missed out if they conceded another goal due to Mexico beating Saudi Arabia 2-1.

That was inches away from being the case - with Szczesny being called to save Messi’s effort from the penalty spot. But the spot-kick itself was awarded in dubious circumstances.

Szczesny was deemed to have fouled the diminutive number-10 when he attempted to punch a lofted ball clear, courtesy of VAR. And the ex-Arsenal shot-stopper has now revealed he was so adamant it wasn’t a penalty that he bet the Argentine it would not be awarded.

He told Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Sport after the game: “No I didn’t [think it would be given]. We spoke before the penalty and I told him [Messi] I can bet him €100 that he [the referee] 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.”

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

FIFA’s betting rules state that players are “forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries” related to football. Players found to be in breach of those rules can be fined for at least £87,000 or banned for up to three years.

The in-jest nature of the keeper’s bet with Messi suggests he will not face such severe punishments. And Poland will need the 32-year-old Juventus man to deliver another big performance between the sticks if they are to beat France on Sunday.