List of penalties missed by Lionel Messi in FIFA World Cup
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Argentine legend has missed a record number of four spot kicks in the quadrennial tournament.
Lionel Messi made an unwanted record in Argentina’s Round of 16 clash against Egypt in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 6.
The 39-year-old had a first-half spot-kick saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, marking an unprecedented fourth missed penalty in the tournament – a World Cup record. Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan had earlier missed two penalties in the World Cup.
Interestingly, it was his second missed penalty kick in the expanded 48-team edition in North America, which is another record in the flagship tournament’s history.
While the former Barcelona player remains a lethal goalscorer, currently leading the Golden Boot race with seven goals, his penalty-taking has always been worrisome, having missed four of the eight penalties he has taken in the World Cup.
Also Read: Lionel Messi: List of all 20 goals in FIFA World Cup history
Lionel Messi missed penalties in World Cup
2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia
Miss 1: Argentina 1-1 Iceland
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson had a debut to remember in the quadrennial tournament, denying Messi for the first time in World Cup history. It was a weak effort from the Argentine, who went to his left. However, the goalkeeper guessed correctly and got two hands on the ball to parry it behind.
2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar
Miss 2: Poland 0-2 Argentina
Wojciech Szczesny conceded a penalty after fouling Messi in the box, but the Polish goalkeeper redeemed himself with a brilliant save from the resulting spot-kick. Messi went hard down the middle, but it was at a good height for Szczesny to make a save. Although the Albiceleste eventually went on to win the match, it was Messi’s second penalty miss in the tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup – USA, Canada, Mexico
Miss 3: Argentina 2-0 Austria
The Argentine scored two goals for the Albiceleste, firing them to a place in the Round of 16. However, there was an early penalty miss from the Inter Miami forward. After VAR awarded Argentina a spot-kick in the ninth minute, Messi’s effort from 12 yards sailed just wide of the right post.
Miss 4: Argentina vs Egypt
After going behind early in the contest, La Albiceleste had the chance to equalise when the South American side earned a penalty. However, Messi once again disappointed from the spot, with his effort to the right of the goalkeeper being brilliantly denied by Mostafa Shobeir.
How many penalties has Lionel Messi missed in FIFA World Cup?
Messi has missed four penalties, the most in World Cup history.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.