Messi refuses Lewandowski’s handshake. Then the clarification at the end of the game – Football

Fifth minute of added time Argentina-Poland. The 2-0 for the South Americans qualifies both national teams to the round of 16, at the expense of Mexicowhich does not go beyond the 2-1 onSaudi Arabia (with one more goal the Mexicans would have stolen the place from the Poles). The result therefore goes well for both teams, who are just waiting for the final whistle. The past and present of Barcelona intersect in the field: Leo Messi he obviously has the ball glued to his left foot: he centers from the right, a movement that couldn’t be more “messian”, and then he swerves on the spot suddenly. Robert Lewandowski she grabs him with her left arm. Messi then aims at it, moves the ball to the right and tries to leave. And Lewandowski for the second time holds him back blatantly and then pushes him: this time his left arm reaches up to the Argentine’s neck. The number 10 then stops, evidently annoyed: the referee whistles, the center forward immediately tries to apologise: he extends his left hand, looking for the grip of another hand that isn’t there, then places it on the chest of the star of the Paris Saint-Germain which, however, is not worthy of a look.

The hug and dialogue between the two champions at the end of the game

A strong scene, because strong, indeed very strong, are its protagonists. Shortly after, however, everything changes: the final whistle, the certainty of the qualification achieved, the competitive fury that gives way to satisfaction: Messi and Lewandowski look for each other in midfield, they talk to each other. The Pole takes the Argentine’s head in his hands and this time he doesn’t withdraw, on the contrary: it is he who holds back the Barcelona footballer and, with his hand in front of his mouth to prevent the lip of the dialogue from immediately traveling around the world, says something to him. Thing? We don’t know why – Leo will explain after the match – “What we said to each other stays on the pitch”.

Messi-Lewandowski, the previous one at the Ballon d’Or 2021

Instead, the two had spoken remotely, the two in 2021, when Messi had won his seventh Ballon d’Or, finishing right in front of the Pole. In his acceptance speech on stage, the Argentine sought his gaze and said: “It’s an honor for me to have fought against Lewandowski. I think he deserves the Ballon d’Or, last year everyone agreed that you would be the winner.” And I think France Football should give you the award.” The Pole commented on a television station in the country about him, Kanal Sportowy: “I hope this is a sincere and polite statement from a great player, not just empty words.” In short, not exactly enthusiastic, so much so that Lewandowski himself felt compelled to clarify: “The interview was misunderstood: I never wanted to say that Lionel Messi’s words weren’t serious or sincere. On the contrary, I am moved by his speech and I congratulate him”: This time, at least, the clarification took place after just two minutes.