LIONEL MESSI sensationally missed the chance to become the World Cup’s all-time record goalscorer after fluffing a penalty against Austria.
Messi, who turns 39 in two days, stepped up from 12 yards after Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the penalty area eight minutes in, with a spot-kick being given after a VAR review.
MESSI MISSES! 😮
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2026
The Argentina captain doesn't convert an early opportunity to become the all-time top World Cup scorer from the spot! pic.twitter.com/TCf0LqQMc4
Lionel Messi missed the chance to become the World Cup’s all-time top goalscorer Credit: Reuters
Messi fired past the post for Argentina against Austria Credit: Reuters
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to convert as he scuffed his penalty wide to the right of the goal.
After netting a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria, Messi had drawn level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer at World Cup finals with 16 goals.
And Messi, who won his all-elusive World Cup in Qatar four years ago including a successful spot kick in the shootout against France in the final, was denied a second date with World Cup destiny.
The Inter Miami ace is usually fairly reliable from the spot, but has missed 33 penalties out of 149 attempts throughout his long and illustrious career.
His miss against Austria did put in one set of history books, however, only for leading the way for the most penalties missed in the history of the World Cup with three.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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