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Messi's Penalty Woes: Can Argentina Shift Gear?
7 Jul
Summary
- Lionel Messi has struggled with penalties in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- He has missed 34 of 150 career penalties, and is 4-for-8 in World Cups.
- Enzo Fernandez is a viable alternative, with 11 successful penalties from 12 attempts.
Lionel Messi is facing criticism for his penalty-taking performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite being Argentina's designated penalty taker, his struggles from the spot have been notable.
Throughout his career, Messi has scored 116 penalties but missed 34. His World Cup record is even more concerning, with only 4 successful penalties out of 8 attempts. Nevertheless, his status as a football legend means he is likely to continue taking penalties for Argentina.
This situation has prompted discussions about potential alternatives. Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea, has been identified as a strong candidate. Fernandez has a commendable penalty record, converting 11 out of 12 attempts in his career. While Argentina may be reluctant to replace Messi, Fernandez presents a viable option if a change is considered.
