Argentina legend Lionel Messi failed to convert yet another penalty in the FIFA World Cup, this time in the massive Round of 16 clash against Egypt on Tuesday (July 7). This was the second time in this edition of the tournament that the Number 10 had fluffed his kick from the spot after hitting his effort wide to the right in the ninth minute of Argentina’s Group J match against Austria on June 22, 2026,
In the match against Egypt, Nicolás Tagliafico drew a foul on the left wing inside Egypt’s penalty box. It was a stonewall penalty, and Messi picked up the ball immediately. He once again went to his right, and Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed it right, diving low to pluck it away from the bottom corner. Typically of Messi, the kick
lacked the pace of a big centre forward and it was just about timing, which Shobeir showed in spades.
Watch the sensational save here:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
MESSI MISSED THE PENALTY
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHApic.twitter.com/4lCxGo3sqo https://t.co/sgu1NqVXd0
— World Cup 2026 Daily (@TotalFootball) July 7, 2026
Last time, Messi spoke about how ‘angry’ he was for missing the penalty.
“Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed it,” he said. “I kicked it very badly, and well, luckily we were able to turn that situation around, take the lead and get the three points, which is what’s important.”
In this instance, it could spell even more trouble for his team, who were already behind 0-1 in the match after Egypt grabbed a surprise lead when Yessar AIbrahim met Marwan Attia’s floated cross from the right with a thunderous header, rewarding their increasing control of the contest.
Post the first hydration break, Shobeir came to Egypt’s rescue again in the 28th minute, brilliantly denying Alex Mac Allister from point-blank range before Lionel Messi struck the far post with a fierce effort from distance.
