Lionel Messi and several Argentina players shared a lighthearted moment after their dramatic 2-1 win over England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal.
Television cameras showed Messi, Enzo Fernandez and other Argentina players looking at England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s water bottle after the final whistle.
The bottle contained handwritten notes that Pickford had prepared for a possible penalty shootout.
England had expected the match could go the distance and Pickford carried a quick guide with information on Argentina’s penalty takers. The notes reportedly showed where each player was likely to place a penalty and how the goalkeeper should react.
The plan, however, was never needed.
Argentina completed a stunning late comeback with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure victory before a shootout became necessary.
As the celebrations began, Messi and his teammates walked over to the England goal and inspected the bottle. The group smiled as they looked through the notes, with the moment quickly spreading across social media.
Preparing detailed penalty notes has become common among top goalkeepers before major knockout matches.
Coaching staff study opponents by reviewing previous penalties, preferred shooting directions and body movements before striking the ball. Goalkeepers then keep the information close by during a shootout.
Pickford’s bottle was designed to help him make quick decisions if the semifinal had gone to penalties.
Instead, Argentina settled the match in normal play and booked a place in the World Cup final against Spain.
Messi once again played a decisive role in the victory. The Argentina captain provided assists for both goals as the defending champions overturned Anthony Gordon’s second half opener.
The post match moment with Pickford’s bottle became one of the most talked about scenes after the semifinal, offering fans a rare glimpse into the planning that takes place before football’s biggest matches.
