Fans were left baffled after Argentina were awarded a controversial penalty in their World Cup clash with Poland, but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved Lionel Messi's spot-kick to deliver what some considered instant justice.
Argentina players appealed after Szczesny - in his efforts to claim a cross - made contact with Messi. Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot after being called over to the VAR monitor, but Messi was unable to take advantage as Szcezny dived the right way to push his effort clear.
"It feels like justice was done to me," said co-commentator Danny Murphy on BBC One. He described it as "soft," while Rio Ferdinand in the studio described it as "an outrageous decision".
"Never in a million years is that a penalty," one fan wrote on social media. "The fact that VAR after several looks at it still gets it wrong is laughable."
"Justice served with an incredible Szczesny save from Messi. VAR has forgotten football is a contact sport," said another.
"This isn't football," was the verdict from a third, while another called the decision "the softest penalty in the world". Yet another, meanwhile, decided to focus on the "brilliant save" from Szczesny.
"That VAR decision is one of those instances it's left to the interpretation of the referee," they said. "A different referee would have probably not given the penalty but it doesn't matter now coz my mans Wojciech had done his homework on Messi."
Was it a penalty? Have your say in the comments section
The penalty was the second to be awarded to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Messi converted from the spot in the opening game against Saudi Arabia, but was unable to repeat the feat against Poland.
The 2021 Ballon d'Or winner scored two of his country's three goals before the Poland clash. He broke the deadlock in the must-win game against Mexico, with Enzo Fernandez adding a clincher against Tata Martino's side.
It was the second penalty save from former Arsenal goalkeeper Szczesny at this World Cup. He denied Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari in Poland's second group game, and also kept out an effort from Spanish forward Gerard Moreno at Euro 2020.
Only two other goalkeepers have kept out two non-shootout penalties at the same World Cup before. They were Poland's Jan Tomaszewski in 1974 and the United States' Brad Friedel in 2002.
"Disgraceful decision by VAR and onfield referee to award a penalty to Argentina," was another view on the penalty award in Qatar. "I understand Argentina and Messi are the "sentimental favorites" to win WC, but this is no way to give a penalty in VAR era. The ball has already left Messi's head & its only a collision afterwards."
