Lionel Messi is just “another human,” according to Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert, who has declared that he is prepared to face the former Barcelona player in a potential penalty shootout.
Noppert also noted that Messi has previously missed a penalty at the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ quarter-final match against Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 28-year-old Heerenveen stopper mentioned that while Lionel Messi is a great player, he can also miss penalties and that he can stop him from scoring from the spot.
“I’m always ready for that, and he can also miss, we saw it at the beginning of this tournament, so he’s the same like us – a human.
“For sure he’s good, but for sure I can catch the penalties.” Noppert was quoted as saying during his pre-game presser.
Of Andries Noppert klaar is voor een penalty van Messi? 🧱🛑
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) December 7, 2022
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Messi, 35, has scored three goals and one assist in four games at the world event in Qatar.
He opened his scoring in Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia in a 1-2 defeat. This was followed by a goal and an assist against Mexico before he went on to miss the penalty against Poland.
The former Barcelona forward eventually starred against Australia in the round of 16 tie in a 2-1 win.
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