What Iceland's goalkeeper said about Lionel Messi after saving his penalty in 1-1 draw

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By Duaine Ansong

Published Jun 17, 2018

Halldorsson spoke to the media about Leo Messi and his vital penalty save in the World Cup

Argentina's World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by spirited Iceland.

Sergio Aguero put Jorge Sampaoli's side ahead with a lovely strike, only for Alfred Finnbogason to equalise from close range four minutes later.

Lionel Messi had a golden opportunity to regain the lead for his country in the 64th-minute, however the 30-year-old saw his penalty saved.

The man who denied the Argentina captain was Hannes Halldorsson, who incredibly works as a film director when he's not playing football.

While Messi was understandably frustrated after the final whistle, he will appreciate what Iceland's number one said about him after the match.

Defiant Halldorsson

In addition to saving a spot-kick from a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Halldorsson also made six crucial saves as Iceland earned an unlikely point.

The 34-year-old, currently at Danish club Randers FC, was asked to describe his emotions following his top performance during Argentina 1-1 Iceland.

What Halldorsson said about Messi

Plenty of fake quotes were flying about on Saturday evening, but in the video below, you can see the 'keeper's comments straight from the horse's mouth.

In addition to labelling his penalty save "a dream come true", Halldorsson also stated that Leo Messi is the best player in the world.

"For me, as a goalkeeper, to play for Iceland in the first game of the World Cup, to face the best player in the world at a penalty is a big moment," he said.

Talking to the media post-match, Halldorsson continued: "It's a dream come true to save it (the penalty from Messi).

"Especially because it helped us get a big point that I hope is going to prove important for us to reach our goal to qualify (from Group D)."

Messi still the world's best?

Of course, Messi's penalty miss was made even bigger by the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo not only scored one the previous night, but bagged a hat-trick for Portugal.

However, while the Barcelona icon's penalty record doesn't make for great reading, there are lots of people who feel he remains the best - including Halldorsson.