World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi Sets Unwanted Record in Qatar

World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi Sets Unwanted Record in Qatar

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
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  • Lionel Messi fired blanks during Argentina's Group C World Cup clash against Poland on Wednesday night
  • The PSG superstar had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet in the first half, only for him to miss a vital penalty
  • La Albiceleste went on to secure a 2-0 win, with Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez finding the back of the net for the south Americans

Lionel Messi has set an unwanted record in Qatar during the ongoing 2022 World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain ace was part of Argentina's squad that played Poland in their final Group C clash on Wednesday night, November 30, at Stadium 974.

Argentina needed to pick maximum points during the clash to increase their chances of reaching the knockouts, having picked just three points from two of their opening fixtures.

Lionel Messi, Argentina, FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, Group C, Poland, Stadium 974.
Lionel Messi reacts after their side's victory at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974. Photo by Stefan Matzke.
Source: Getty Images

The Lionel Scaloni-tutored side was heavily reliant on Messi to help them sail through, only for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner to fluff an opportunity to put his side ahead.

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Poland had proved to be a hard nut crack, shutting out the World Cup favourites for nearly 40 minutes.

Argentina's best chance to break the deadlock came in the 39th minute when they won a penalty after Wojciech Szczęsny was adjudged to have fouled Messi.

The PSG star stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick, only for Szczęsny to pull a stunning save to deny the Barcelona icon.

This was Messi's second missed penalty, with ESPN reporting that he is now the first player in history to have two penalties saved in the World Cup.

Argentina stun Poland

Fortunately for Messi, Argentina went on two score two goals in the second half of the tie to down the stubborn Poland side.

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for the South Americans shortly after the break before Julian Alvarez made it 2-0 in the 67th minute.

The two goals were enough to fire La Albiceleste to the knockouts as Group C winners with six points.

Messi chalks new landmark

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi has become the most-capped Argentina player at the World Cup after taking the field for his side against Poland on Wednesday evening.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar captained La Albiceleste in their gigantic tie against Robert Lewandowski's side in their final Group C encounter of the tournament.

The Argentine genius started alongside Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez and Juventus winger Angel Di Maria in a devastating attacking trident.

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Fred Kennedy
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