MESSI: I WAS UPSET THAT I MISSED THE PENALTY, BUT ARGENTINA RECOVERED WELL FROM MY ERROR.

The WhatsApp University of the world was quick to inform us last night that Mario Kempes had missed a penalty in Argentina’s third game in 1978 and the host won the championship; Diego Maradona, too, had missed a penalty in Argentina’s third game against Bulgaria in 1986 and Argentina, of course, won the Mexico World Cup; and now Lionel Messi had missed his penalty in the team’s 2-0 victory over Poland, their third game of the 2022 season. Only if these signs were real could they have predicted the future.

Thankfully, the Argentine captain rejected these fictitious heavenly signs from the past. “I’m upset that I missed the penalty, but the team recovered well from my error. We were aware that the game would shift after the first goal was scored, according to Messi. “The Mexico game helped us relax.”

Despite losing his USD 100 on-field wager with Messi that Dutch police officer and referee Danny Makkelie would not impose a penalty for his light touch to the Argentine’s face, Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczsny prevailed in this duel from six yards out.

FIFA WORLD CUP: ARGENTINA’S INSPIRATION CONTINUES TO BE THE EVER-PRESENT MESSI

Argentina’s round-of-16 opponent, Australia, who advanced after a 1-0 victory over Denmark, was made simpler by winning Group C’s top slot. Messi still views the Australians as tough opponents, and with good reason. “The game against Australia will be very challenging. The World Cup is quite evenly matched. No team is simple to play for. We can attest to the fact that anyone can triumph over anyone. Now that the new World Cup has begun, let’s hope we can continue playing like we did today,” stated Messi.

The 35-year-old is still struggling with Diego’s ominous shadow, which is stretching out with each passing day. Here, he eclipsed his idol’s mark of 21 World Cup games. Diego would smile. He was always pleased when good things happened to the Argentina national team and to me personally. He was always close and loving, the now-elderly heir recalled.

“Please have faith in us, fans. He assured them, “This gang will not let them down.