Messi holds record for most missed penalties in World Cup history

Lionel Messi has become the player with the most missed penalties in FIFA World Cup history after failing to convert from the spot against Austria in Dallas.

The Argentina captain sent his fourth-minute penalty wide in the Group stage clash, taking his total World Cup penalty misses to three — the highest in the tournament’s history.

Messi had previously shared the unwanted record with Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan. His earlier misses came against Iceland in 2018 and Poland in 2022, both of which were saved by opposing goalkeepers.

In the latest incident, Argentina were awarded a penalty after Lautaro Martínez was fouled inside the box, with the decision confirmed following a VAR review. However, Messi’s attempt went off target, marking the first penalty miss of the current World Cup.

According to statistics platform Transfermarkt, the miss also takes Messi’s overall career penalty misses (excluding shootouts) to 33 from 149 attempts across club and international football.

Despite the setback, Messi remains central to Argentina’s campaign as they continue their push in the tournament.