Why Lionel Messi shouldn’t have been awarded a VAR penalty vs. Poland

Why Lionel Messi shouldn't have been awarded a VAR penalty vs. Poland

We’re analysing every VAR decision made throughout all 64 games at the 2022 World Cup. Argentina‘s Lionel Messi was awarded a penalty after he was fouled by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

After each game, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

– World Cup VAR review in full: Every decision analysed

VAR overturn: Penalty for foul by Szczesny on Messi

What happened: Szczesny came out to claim a cross in the 36th minute. Messi got to his head to the ball first, with Szczesny then colliding with the Argentina striker with his arm. The VAR, Paulus Van Boekel of Netherlands, advised a penalty review.

VAR decision: Penalty, Messi’s effort saved by Szczesny.