Lionel Messi added another unwanted chapter to his remarkable FIFA World Cup career after missing a penalty against Egypt during Argentina's Round of 16 clash at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Argentine captain failed to convert from the spot as Egypt's goalkeeper Moustafa Shoubeir produced a crucial save, marking Messi's fourth missed penalty in World Cup matches, excluding penalty shoot-outs.
Lionel Messi Missing from the Spot in World Cup
Despite holding numerous World Cup records and leading Argentina to the 2022 title, Messi now holds an unfortunate record that no player desires. His latest miss means he has failed to score from the penalty spot four times in World Cup matches, the most by any player in the tournament's history.
Messi's first World Cup penalty miss came during Argentina's
opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Iceland. Goalkeeper Hannes Þór Halldórsson denied the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner from the spot in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw, putting immediate pressure on Argentina's campaign in Russia.
Four years later in Qatar, Messi missed another penalty during Argentina's final group-stage match against Poland. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny pulled off a superb save, although the Albiceleste still secured a comfortable 2-0 victory before going on to lift their third World Cup trophy.
The 2026 tournament has seen Messi miss from the penalty spot twice. His first miss came against Austria in the group stage, before another failed attempt against Egypt in the Round of 16 added to his unwanted tally.
While penalty shoot-outs are recorded separately by FIFA, penalties taken during normal and extra time contribute to official World Cup scoring records. Messi's latest miss takes his World Cup penalty record to eight attempts, with four converted and four missed.
In terms of scoring goals, Messi has been excellent in this World Cup. The Argentine has so far netted 7 goals in this tournament, and now sits at the top of all-time World Cup goal scorers list with 20 goals to his name.
