Messi dominates heavyweight contest but Lewandowski keeps his head

Argentina’s maestro against Poland’s star striker was no contest but both ended up embracing in celebration after a tense night

GREATS OF THE GAME: Argentina's Lionel Messi (left) and Poland's Robert Lewandowski battle for the ball. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Lionel Messi headed one way, put the brakes on and with a turn of the ankle and a dip of the shoulder set off in the other direction, defender desperately chasing. Robert Lewandowski was the man there, following him and then fouling him. The Argentinian didn’t look pleased; the Pole didn’t either, but there was no way he was going to complain; doing so could cost his country a place in the World Cup, he knew.

It was the 94th minute and it was the first time Lewandowski had got anywhere near Messi, and this wasn’t the way he had imagined it. In every other way, he had been miles off.