Robert Lewandowski received the cold shoulder from Lionel Messi during Wednesday night’s game.
Argentina kept their World Cup hopes alive thanks to an impressive 2-0 victory against Poland last night. Despite the loss, Poland will also progress to the round of 16, thanks to their superior goal difference over Mexico.
Eagle-eyed viewers would’ve seen an awkward encounter between both team’s star players in the centre circle. Lewandowski attempted to shake Messi’s hand after he upended him with a late challenge. However, the Argentine wasn’t having it and completely ignored the Polish centre-forward.
Robert Lewandowski’nin elini sıkmayan Messi 👀pic.twitter.com/qnSdwVUnCH
— Depar Sports (@DeparSports) December 1, 2022
After the full-time whistle, the two players shared a very brief interaction before leaving to celebrate with their sides.
Lionel Messi and Lewandowski after the Game❤
Huge Respect!#Messi𓃵 #Messi #messi_day pic.twitter.com/o6Tx1VTgd6— Ishfaq Khan (@IshfaqK100) November 30, 2022
When questioned afterwards, Messi refused to reveal what was said.
“Lewandowski? They taught me that everything that happens on the pitch stays on the pitch, as well as in the locker room.
“Things that we say to each other in private will never come out of me.” Messi said.
It is unknown whether this was driven by actual disdain or just a moment of gamesmanship.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter, both forwards will have their eyes firmly fixed on their next match.