Messi Sets Unwanted World Cup Record After Missing Penalty
Lionel Messi recorded an unwelcome milestone on Monday as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 at the World Cup. Argentina won a penalty in the ninth minute, giving Messi a chance to move closer to the all-time World Cup scoring record, but he missed from the spot.
The miss made Messi the first player in World Cup history to fail from the penalty mark three times, excluding shootouts. He had previously missed in 2018 against Iceland and in 2022 against Poland. It was also his seventh World Cup penalty attempt, more than any other player in tournament history, surpassing Harry Kane, who has six.
Messi was also the first player to miss a penalty at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the setback, Argentina’s overall penalty record at the tournament remains strong in volume but weak in efficiency.
The national team has converted 12 of 17 World Cup penalties, a 71% success rate, the lowest among teams that have taken at least 10 spot kicks. Only Spain has won more World Cup penalties all-time, with 18.
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