Messi sets unwanted record with four MISSED World Cup penalties as Argentina reaches quarter finals

Guinness World Records has spotlighted an unusual milestone for Lionel Messi, noting that the Argentine superstar has missed four penalties in FIFA World Cup matches, excluding shoot-outs. According to the record-keeping body, this tally is twice as many as any other player in history. 

Messi sets unwanted record with four MISSED World Cup penalties as Argentina reaches quarter finals

The latest miss occurred during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, with Messi becoming the first player to miss two penalties in a single tournament. He has taken a record eight spot-kicks in World Cup history, further cementing his unique, if mixed, legacy from 12 yards. 

Despite the statistic, Messi remains a central figure for Argentina as they move to next stage. Fans continue to debate the significance of the record amid the intense rivalry discourse on social media. 

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