Should Argentina take Messi off penalties?

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Should Argentina take Messi off penalties? Image source, Getty ImagesByMohamed MoallimBBC Sport journalistPublished38 minutes agoWith every game that passes at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi strengthens the case that he is the greatest footballer the game has ever seen. The Argentina captain once again dragged the defending champions deep into the knockout rounds.

Against Egypt in the last 16, he produced another match-defining performance, scoring once and creating another as Argentina recovered from 2-0 down with little more than 10 minutes remaining to complete one of the most incredible comebacks in World Cup history. Along the way he broke even more records. He became the oldest player ever to score and assist in a World Cup match, extending a record he already held.

The Details

It was the fifth time he had both scored and assisted in a World Cup game, with no other player managing the feat more than three times since records began in 1966. In addition he moved clear as the competition's all-time leading assist provider with nine, overtaking Diego Maradona, while his latest strike was another addition to his growing collection of knockout-stage goals. But he also set another, unwanted, record from the spot.

So, amid another exhibition of genius, one question refuses to disappear. Should Argentina take penalties away from him? It feels almost absurd to ask about a player who has spent more than two decades redefining footballing excellence.

Messi has scored virtually every type of goal imaginable and has won everything there is to win. But from 12 yards, the numbers tell a very different story. Figure caption, Argentina make incredible late comeback to beat EgyptIs it time to give record-breaker Pickford the credit he deserves?

What Experts Say

Published5 hours agoWho am I? Guess World Cup star No 34 Published2 hours agoEngland set for open-air Miami heat - but do Norway hold the edge? Published6 hours agoMessi's one remaining weaknessImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Messi missed his second penalty of the tournament when he spurned the chance to equalise with Argentina 1-0 down against Egypt in the last 16 Against Egypt, Argentina were handed the ideal chance to respond after Nicolas Tagliafico was brought down in the penalty area with the score at 1-0.

Messi stepped forward, but his effort lacked both power and placement. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and made a comfortable save. It ultimately did not cost Argentina.

Messi inspired their astonishing comeback, with Cristian Romero reducing the deficit before the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient equalised and Enzo Fernández completed a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time. But for much of the afternoon it looked as though the missed penalty would define Argentina's exit. It was also Messi's second missed penalty of the tournament after failing from the spot against Austria in the group stage.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.