Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was on the wrong end of a VAR decision to award Lionel Messi a penalty for Argentina last night. The 32-year-old has made some crucial saves at the World Cup so far and been a key player in helping Poland qualify for the round of 16 stage.
Szczesny spent eight years at the Emirates Stadium before leaving to join Juventus back in 2017. The Polish keeper was penalised for palming Messi in the face before saving the Paris Saint-Germain star's spot kick with a brilliant stop down to his left.
Szczesny was unable to stop Argentina from eventually winning the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez. The 32-year-old has since revealed he made a huge bet with Messi before saving his first half penalty kick.
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The Poland penalty hero has since revealed that he was so confident no foul would be awarded that he made a '€100 (£86) bet' with Messi as VAR looked at the situation inside Stadium 974. Szczesny joked that he could be 'banned for his admission after he pulled off a spectacular penalty save to deny Argentina's star man.
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Sport post-match, the former Arsenal goalkeeper revealed the details of his and Messi's bet. The former Arsenal keeper said: "No I didn't [think the penalty would be given].
"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.
Szczesny added: "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.
"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."
Arsenal fans reacted to the penalty save on social media as they were delighted to see a former Gunner get the better of one of the greatest players in history.
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