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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Stephen Hawkins

Lionel Messi misses penalty kick with a chance to break the World Cup scoring record with Argentina

APTOPIX Austria Argentina WCup Soccer - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick in the ninth minute of Argentina's match against Austria on Monday, after a video review set up the possibility of him breaking the World Cup scoring record.

Messi's left-footed kick went just wide of the right post, leaving him at 16 goals and even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose for the most in the World Cup. Messi is now 4 of 7 on penalty kicks in regulation play at the World Cup with with misses in three consecutive tournaments.

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