Lionel Messi continues to expand his legacy in the 2026 World Cup. However, not all the records he has set during the tournament have come thanks to his goals.
In the round of 16 match, The captain of Argentina missed a penalty and reached an unprecedented mark in history of the World Cups. Even so, that mistake did not prevent the Albiceleste from advancing to the next round and keeping their dream of defending the title intact.
With that missed shot, Messi became the first footballer to miss two penalties in the same edition of the World Cup, a rare statistical fact that contrasts with the extraordinary level he has shown throughout the championship.
His first mistake from eleven meters there was in the group stage against Austria. However, he recovered with a double and extended his record as the top scorer in World Cup history. ANDThe second came this Tuesday, July 7 against Egypt. Once again he reacted and scored to guide the Argentine team’s classification.
Despite these errors from the penalty spot, Argentina overcame both games and was among the eight best teams in the tournament, which shows that the contribution of its captain goes far beyond penalties.
A World Cup to continue making history
Far from affecting its performance, Messi continues to be the main offensive reference of the championship. With eight goals he leads the scoring table and is emerging as the main candidate to win the Golden Boot, an award that distinguishes the top scorer of the World Cup.
That figure also allowed him to extend one of the most important records of his career. The Argentine reached 21 goals in the history of the World Cups, consolidating himself as the top scorer of all time in the competition and widening the gap with respect to his pursuers.
His offensive production has been decisive for Argentina’s journey in the tournament. From the group stage to the knockout rounds, Messi has responded in the most demanding moments with goals, assists and leadership to keep the current world champion among the main contenders for the title.
A legacy that transcends statistics
At 39 years old, Messi continues to defy the passage of time. Each match played in a World Cup represents an opportunity to expand a legacy that began in Germany 2006 and that extends across six editions of soccer’s most important tournament.
During his World Cup career he has set numerous records. He is the footballer with the most games played in the history of the World Cup, one of the few players who has scored in multiple editions and one of the main references of the Argentine national team for two decades.
Now he has an unusual record with missed penalties, although this is overshadowed by the magnitude of his sporting achievements. His influence on the game, his ability to define matches and his leadership continue to be fundamental for a team that aspires to win the title again.
Penalties missed by Messi in World Cups
Russia 2018 – Argentina 1-1 Iceland
- Goalkeeper Hannes Þór Halldórsson saved Messi’s penalty in the group stage.
Qatar 2022 – Poland 0-2 Argentina
- Wojciech Szczęsny saved the shot, although Argentina ended up winning the match and advanced to the round of 16.
World Cup 2026 – Argentina vs. Austria
- Messi sent the ball wide in the group stage.
World Cup 2026 – Argentina vs. Egypt
- Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved the penalty in the round of 16.