Lionel Messi became the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties during normal time in a single edition of the tournament, Yahoo Sports reports.
How Messi Set Unwanted World Cup Record
Messi set the record after seeing his spot-kick saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir in Argentina’s Round of 16 clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.
Messi stepped up from 12 yards hoping to give Argentina the lead, but Shobeir produced a crucial save to deny the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and keep Egypt up 1-0.
The miss completed an unwanted double for Messi at the 2026 World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, he also failed to convert a penalty during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in the group stage.
As a result, the Argentine legend became the first player ever to miss two penalties in regulation time during the same FIFA World Cup, excluding penalty shootouts.
The missed opportunity proved costly for Argentina. Egypt took a 1-0 lead into halftime, with Messi’s saved penalty standing out as one of the defining moments of the opening 45 minutes.
Also Read: World Cup 2026: Why I Cried After Argentina’s Comeback Win Against Egypt
After seeing a goal disallowed for a foul earlier, Egypt still went ahead to double the lead following a swift counter-attack.
Messi Inspires Argentina’s Fightback
Despite this, Messi stepped up and proved how dangerous and effective he is as he produced a pinpoint cross which landed at the head of Cristian Romero to make it 2-1 on 79 minutes.
Just four minutes later Argentina drew level, thanks to Messi who kept his cool to volley his effort into the roof of the net in what is now his 21st goal in World Cup history.
Then in the second minute of added time Enzo Fernandez headed home a brilliant cross from Lautaro Martinez to put the reigning champions 3-2 up.
Argentina To Battle Switzerland In Quarter-finals
Argentina will now take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals, after the Swiss side edged out Colombia on penalties.
The last time both teams clashed, Argentina edged out Switzerland 1-0 after extra-time in the World Cup 2014 round of 16.
By James Agberebi
