Messi's terrible penalty record continued against Iceland

The opening Group D clash pitted one of the favourites for the tournament against the smallest nation but Iceland proved they aren't a pushover.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring in the first half for Alfred Finnbogason to equalise for Iceland almost straight away.

With the game finely poised in the second instalment, the result could come down to a vital moment and it certainly looked that way in the 63rd minute.

Aguero and Hordur Magnusson were both chasing after a lumped cross into the box when the two collided, causing both to fall to the ground in an accidental heap.

However, the referee adjuded Magnusson to have fouled the Manchester City striker and pointed to the spot, with Lionel Messi stepping up to take the penalty.

Many would have expected the Barcelona forward to find the back of the net but his effort was weak and at a saveable height for Halldorsson to palm away.

The miss means Messi has failed to score in four of his last seven penalties in what is a terrible record for such a prolific forward.

 

June 16, 2018