Lionel Messi sets unfortunate record despite victory
By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

During the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist against Egypt, becoming the tournament's all-time best assist player. However, he also became the first player to miss two penalties in the same edition, a record he hopes to surpass quickly.
According to Foxsports.
Context
Lionel Messi, as captain of the Argentine team, is at the heart of his team's dynamics during this World Cup. His status as the tournament's historic best passer reinforces his importance, but his recent difficulties with penalties could influence his play and that of Argentina in future matches. The pressure will be high on him to continue to shine while correcting his past mistakes.
Why it matters
Lionel Messi's performance in this match was notable, as it highlighted his essential role in the Argentine team, while also highlighting an unflattering statistic. Becoming the best passer in World Cup history strengthens his legacy, but missing two penalties in the same edition raises questions about his current form. This contrast between success and failure could influence the perception of his career, particularly as the quarter-finals approach.
Key points
- Lionel Messi sets unfortunate record despite victory.
- During the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist against Egypt, becoming the tournament's all-time best passer.
- Lionel Messi Owns Unfortunate World Cup Record Despite Avoiding World Cup Upset | FOX Sports.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to offer us intense and historic moments. During the round of 16 between Argentina and Egypt, Lionel Messi once again made an impression. Author of a goal and an assist, he is now the historical leader in the assists ranking in the history of the competition. However, this success is accompanied by an unexpected statistic.
Indeed, the famous Argentine captain missed his penalty during a first attempt after Nicolás Tagliafico won a penalty following a decisive action. This attempt, rejected by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir, allowed Egypt to maintain their advantage, thanks in particular to a goal from their defender Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute.
With this failure, Lionel Messi became the first player in the history of the World Cup to miss two penalties in the same edition. In eight attempts during his world tour, excluding penalty shootouts, Messi now has a total of one missed penalty, three saved, and four converted. A mixed result for someone who is usually clinical against opposing cages.
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Fortunately for Argentina, the end of the match turned to their advantage. The Albicelestes turned the situation around by scoring three goals in the last eleven minutes, plus added time, to win 3-2 and validate their qualification for the quarter-finals. Their next opponent will be the winner of the match between Switzerland and Colombia, scheduled for Saturday at Kansas City Stadium.
This success confirms the solidity of an Argentine team still led by its leader Messi, capable of taking major responsibilities in key moments. This double facet of the Argentinian, between positive records and disappointments, illustrates the complexity of this tournament where every moment counts.
Lionel Messi, who continues his quest for the last major title missing from his record, will however have to work on his serenity during penalties, in order to prevent this unflattering record from further weakening the confidence of his family in future meetings of this 2026 World Cup.
Thanks to this feat, Messi also consolidates his status as a living legend of world football, while Argentina is more than ever in the running for a fifth world title on North American soil.
The rest
After this victory against Egypt, Argentina prepares to face the winner of the match between other teams in the tournament. Lionel Messi, despite his recent challenges, will continue to play a key role in Argentina's quest to win the 2026 World Cup. Fans and analysts will be watching his performances closely, particularly to see if he can overcome his penalty struggles and help his team go as far as possible in the competition.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Argentina vs Egypt match?
Argentina won the match against Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, despite a missed penalty by Lionel Messi.
Who confirmed Messi's record in this match?
The match confirmed that Lionel Messi became the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties in the same edition.
Why did Messi miss a penalty in this match?
Messi missed his penalty after Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled, allowing Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir to save his attempt.
What are Messi's World Cup penalty statistics?
Lionel Messi has missed one penalty, saved three and converted four in his eight attempts in World Cup history, excluding penalty shootouts.
What changes took place in the match after Messi's missed penalty?
After the missed penalty, Argentina scored three goals in the last eleven minutes to win the match and advance to the quarter-finals.
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