Messi sets new World Cup record for most missed penalties

Lionel Messi has etched his name into the World Cup record books once again, this time for an unusual distinction. During Argentina's Group J match against Austria in the 2026 North American World Cup, the star forward missed a crucial penalty kick. This moment not only squandered a prime opportunity to put Argentina ahead but also established a new, albeit peculiar, record: Messi is now the player with the most missed penalties in World Cup history. He surpassed the previous mark held jointly by Ghana's Asamoah Gyan. Messi's prior World Cup penalty misses occurred in Russia in 2018 against Iceland and in Qatar in 2022 against Poland. This latest miss adds another chapter to his storied World Cup career, highlighting both his incredible achievements and the occasional setbacks. Despite this setback, Messi's impact on the tournament was not diminished. Minutes after his penalty miss, he found the back of the net, scoring a goal that propelled him to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the World Cup. This remarkable turnaround showcases his resilience and enduring prowess on the global stage.