Argentina sets World Cup penalty record, Messi misses against Egypt

Argentina set a new statistical record in its Round of 16 match against Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, earning its eighth penalty in twelve matches of competition since the 2022 World Cup. According to statistician MisterChip, no team had ever reached this total over such a span of matches in World Cup history.

The trend emerged in Qatar four years ago: the Albiceleste benefited from a penalty in every match from the quarter-finals through the final, as well as two penalties in the group stage against Poland. In 2026, the pace is identical, with three penalties earned in three tournament matches.

But an Argentine penalty is no longer a guarantee of a goal. Lionel Messi missed his attempt against Egypt, just as he had already done against Austria in the group stage. He thus becomes the first player in history to miss two penalties in the same World Cup outside of penalty shootouts.

Broadening the tally to his entire World Cup career, the Argentine number 10 now shows four missed penalties — two in 2018 and two in 2026 — out of eight attempted, a success rate of 50%. A figure that contrasts with the status of all-time leading goalscorer in football that his club and international performances confer upon him.