As various nations (like the US Men’s National Team!) gear up for the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, an underlying and perhaps bittersweet storyline may overshadow Wednesday’s titanic Group C matchup between Argentina and Poland.
With both squads seeking a firm place in the Round of 16, the Argentinians and Poles will lean on Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski — the two best players to ever feature for their respective teams — to become the hero. Unfortunately, in the event that the other side of the group — Mexico and Saudi Arabia — breaks the right (or wrong?) way, Wednesday could be the last time we see one of the two soccer icons suit up for their home country.
In recent months, speculation has mounted that Messi and Lewandowski may call it quits from international competition following this World Cup. That lays some delicious drama onto this showcase of the two current Group C leaders.
With what’s on the line, we very well could see the finest possible versions of Messi and Lewandowski as they try to lift their countries over the top. That means you should expect goals galore from Messi — who has scored 93 goals for Argentina in his career (the third-most international tallies ever). And Lewandowski, who tied Pelé for 10th most all-time at 77 when he notched his first-ever emotional World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia.
Of course, while he’ll never admit to it, Lewandowski could be seeking a measure of “revenge” on a personal level over Messi. The Argentinian midfielder beat out Lewandowski for the 2021 Ballon d’Or (awarded annually to the best soccer player in the world). Given that Messi only enjoyed a usual stellar season by his standards, while Lewandowski scored a record 41 goals en route to leading Bayern Munich to a win in the Champions League Final — some thought Messi’s honor was controversial.
Lewandowski quelled those concerns earlier this month. Knowing that Poland would eventually square off with Argentina, Lewandowski told World Cup journalists he’s not bitter with Messi and that he’s never “had anything ‘bad’ with him.” The prolific striker’s words are one thing. How he’ll actually respond on the field with Messi standing in the way of his first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout stage is a different matter entirely.
Look for Messi to bring his trademark kitchen sink array of tools all over the field. And expect Lewandowski to aggressively take matters into his hands in response. (Oh, and did I mention neither has ever won a World Cup? That’s … probably a big deal here.)
As the group stages of this tournament finally wind down, Wednesday’s clash between two of the greatest to ever kick a round ball should be a wonderful treat. A draw might take Messi and Lewandowski into the Round of 16 in their potential international swan songs anyway. But that kind of result will also assuredly not come without a tense battle between a special No. 10 and a special No. 9.
