Messi's Penalty Record Shadowed by Brilliant World Cup Form

Lionel Messi has been a paradox at the 2026 World Cup: he leads the tournament in goals (8) and has broken multiple records, yet he has also missed two penalties, becoming the player with the most missed penalties in World Cup history (four). Source: Clarín

Penalty Woes

Messi's penalty misses came against Austria in the group stage and Egypt in the round of 16, where his weak shot was saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Source: Excélsior He has now missed four of eight World Cup penalties (excluding shootouts), a 50% conversion rate. Source: El Mundo In contrast, his overall penalty record for club and country is 77% (114/148), around the average. Source: El Mundo Experts note his lack of a consistent technique and his tendency to wait for the goalkeeper's movement, which adds risk. Source: Listín Diario

Goalscoring Brilliance

Despite the penalty misses, Messi has scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches, a record. Source: Clarín His 21 total World Cup goals surpass Miroslav Klose's 16, though Kylian Mbappé (19) remains in contention. He also has 10 assists, tying Pelé's record. Source: Clarín He has been Argentina's playmaker, often dropping deep and creating chances, with 8 goals leading the tournament. Source: La Vanguardia