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VAR-GENTINA

Fans all saying same thing after Argentina handed bizarre penalty… before Messi has it saved in Poland World Cup clash

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FOOTBALL fans are in agreement after Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty to deny Lionel Messi in Poland's World Cup clash against Argentina.

The ex-Arsenal stopper was penalised for a questionable foul on the Argentina captain.

Argentina were awarded a penalty for this challenge on Lionel Messi
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Argentina were awarded a penalty for this challenge on Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
Wojciech Szczesny saved the resulting penalty
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Wojciech Szczesny saved the resulting penaltyCredit: Reuters
Szczesny was mobbed by his Poland team-mates after making the save
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Szczesny was mobbed by his Poland team-mates after making the saveCredit: Getty

Szczesny made contact with Messi as he came off his line to try and punch a cross away from danger.

Referee Danny Makkelie initially waved play on, before pointing to the spot after consulting VAR.

But the Poland goalie then SAVED Messi's penalty.

Szczesny guessed the right way, diving to his left and sticking out a hand to brilliantly deny the Argentina skipper.

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And fans have joked that "justice" had been served after the debateable call.

One wrote on Twitter: "Justice for Szczesny. That was a diabolical VAR decision."

Another said: "Thats the most embarrassing penalty award I’ve ever seen. Justice for Szczesny that."

A third added: "Justice. Superb save from Szczesny but that has to be one of the worst penalty calls I’ve seen for a long time."

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And a fourth wrote: "How is that a pen? I’m absolutely stunned. Incredible from Szczesny! Justice."

With the save Szczesny became the first keeper to save two penalties at the same World Cup since Brad Friedel for USA in 2002.

He denied Saudi Arabia star Salem Al-Dawsari from 12 yards to help his side to a 2-0 win on Saturday.

But Szczesny's resistance against Argentina was finally broken after the break.

A mishit from Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina a 1-0 lead.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez then made it two, but Poland still managed to qualify for the knockouts above Mexico on goal difference.

Messi reacts after having his penalty saved
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Messi reacts after having his penalty savedCredit: Reuters
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