FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi's penalty struggles continue but Argentina's dream stays alive

Lionel Messi's struggles from the penalty spot resurfaced at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, as the Argentina captain saw his spot-kick saved during the Round of 16 clash against Egypt. Despite the miss, Argentina remained in the contest as the 39-year-old continued to drive the defending champions' campaign.

Messi's failed penalty nearly proved costly as Egypt took control of the match. Goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko gave the African side a 2-0 lead with just 11 minutes remaining, leaving Argentina on the brink of a shock exit.

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The missed penalty added another chapter to a long-running weakness in Messi's otherwise decorated career. Ten years ago, he briefly retired from international football after sending a penalty over the crossbar in the Copa America final on American soil.

A decade later, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is once again playing a World Cup in the United States, where his brilliance continues to outweigh his inconsistency from the penalty spot.

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While the miss raised fresh questions about his record from 12 yards, Messi remains central to Argentina's pursuit of another World Cup title.