Argentina forward Lionel Messi. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi sets unfortunate World Cup record with missed penalties

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/30/22

Setting a record in the World Cup isn't always a good thing. Just ask Lionel Messi.

The Argentinian has the rather dubious honor of being the first player in World Cup history to have two penalties saved in the tournament following having his shot stopped by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

BALL DONT LIE! MESSI’S PENALTY SAVED pic.twitter.com/YEBTvbcrRc
— BetMGM (@BetMGM) November 30, 2022

Lionel Messi is the first player in HISTORY to have 2 penalties saved in the World Cup pic.twitter.com/LcdbaVtco7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 30, 2022

Not surprisingly, Messi was none too pleased with himself after the missed shot. Lucky enough for him and his team, Julian Alvarez and Alex MacAllister found the back of the net to give the Argentines a 2-0 win over Robert Lewandowski and the Polish side.

Lionel Messi:

"With anger at wasting the penalty kick, but the team came out stronger after a mistake from me. We knew that once the first goal was in, the game would change." pic.twitter.com/Ci5x8pxGqA
— Team Leo (@TeamLeo10i) November 30, 2022

Argentina now moves on to the Round of 16 and will face Australia on Dec. 3.

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