adminDOHA. – Lionel Messi’s saved penalty in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Poland could actually be a good omen for his national team.
This is due to a remarkable pattern in their two previous World Cup triumphs.
Messi was controversially awarded a spot-kick but had his effort saved by the former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Szczesny appeared to brush Messi’s forehead with his hand while trying to tip a cross away from the iconic forward. VAR bemusingly felt it was enough to warrant a penalty.
Juventus shot-stopper Szczesny was equal to Messi’s strike, palming the ball away for a corner.
But Messi having his penalty saved is actually a good omen for Argentina.
That is because an Argentine star has missed from 12 yards in the third World Cup game on both occasions the nation has gone on to win the tournament.
In 1978, Mario Kempes missed a penalty in Argentina’s third game of the tournament, a 1-0 defeat by Italy. Kempes went on to score a brace in the 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in the final.
Eight years later the iconic former Argentine star Diego Maradona missed a penalty in a 2-0 group-stage win over Bulgaria. Remarkably, that was also Argentina’s third game of a tournament they went on to win thanks to a 3-2 triumph over West Germany.
It could also be a positive personal omen for Messi.
In 1978, Kempes went on to become the top scorer in the tournament with six goals, while Maradona was voted as the best player in 1986.
Messi has struck twice so far in the 2022 edition of the tournament and his performances place him among the best players.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed a mini-revival this year, having struggled during his first season away from Barcelona – and a World Cup victory would cap an incredible year.
Argentina appear to have overcome their shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening game. Messi scored a penalty against the Middle East side but the Argentina captain and his colleagues were stunned by a shock comeback.
A Messi-inspired victory over Mexico put Lionel Scaloni’s side back on track.
The Paris Saint Germain ace fired home from 25 yards before assisting Enzo Fernandez’s goal.
Despite missing the penalty against Poland, Messi remained influential and played a key role in many of Argentina’s most promising attacks.
Goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez secured a 2-0 success.
Argentina have not won the World Cup since Maradona dragged them to victory in 1986.
It falls on Messi’s shoulders to take his side all the way this year.
And, should Argentina reach the World Cup, Messi will play his 1000th match.
It appears it’s all written in the stars. – The Express.
Online Reporter