Messi Sets Unwanted Record for Most Penalty Misses in World Cup H

The incident came during Argentina’s Group J match against Austria national football team, where Messi missed a penalty in the 9th minute. It marked the third missed penalty of his World Cup career, excluding shootout attempts.

Since FIFA began officially recording penalty statistics in the 1966 World Cup, no player had ever missed three penalties in the tournament—making Messi the first to reach this unfortunate milestone.

Previously, Ghana’s former striker Asamoah Gyan held the record for the most missed penalties in World Cup matches with two. Messi has now surpassed that mark.

The 38-year-old captain entered the match needing just one goal to become the outright all-time top scorer in World Cup history. However, his early penalty attempt went wide of the post, denying him the chance to break the record immediately.

As a result, Messi remains level on 16 World Cup goals with Germany legend Miroslav Klose, instead of moving ahead as the tournament’s sole leading scorer.

Despite the setback, Argentina went on to secure a 2-0 victory, but the spotlight remained on Messi’s missed opportunity and the new record he unwillingly set.

MMR