Egypt nearly pulled off the impossible when it pulled off what would have been the most shocking result of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Argentina in the round of 16 after winning its first-ever World Cup match in the group stage. The Egyptians got out to an early lead after a header from Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute.
However, Argentina was quickly presented with the opportunity to level things after it was awarded a penalty kick in the 21st minute. Argentinian legend Lionel Messi, who entered Tuesday’s match as the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of the World Cup, which stretches back to 1930, stepped up to take the kick. Shockingly, his attempt was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Another look at Shobeir’s save to deny Leo Messi at the penalty spot 🧤 pic.twitter.com/9h7ZhGIC5C
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026
As great as Messi has been over his career, the save made him the only player in the history of the World Cup to miss multiple penalty shots in a single World Cup. Ultimately, just as was the case when he missed a PK in the group stage, Messi was delayed rather than denied, and he scored in open play in the 83rd minute of what went on to be a 3-2 Argentina victory.
“Why isn’t he doing the stutter anymore?”
Still, fans on social media let Messi hear it for his PK failures.
“Ronaldo would NEVER,” one fan posted on X.
“Genuinely awful pen. Why isn’t he doing the stutter anymore?” someone else posted.
“Ppl can say “Penaldo” all they want but at least he makes them,” another fan posted.
Ultimately, Messi and Argentina will be happy to advance. However, if Messi doesn’t clean things up, his struggles taking penalties could end up having disastrous consequences for Argentina, as soon as Saturday’s quarterfinal match.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.