New Delhi, June 22 -- Lionel Messi became the first player in history to miss a penalty thrice at the World Cup stage after the Argentine skipper shot wide against Austria on Monday during their Group F clash in the 2026 edition at the Dallas Stadium. Playing his 201st match, Messi entered the field with 16 World Cup goals, on level at the top with Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Dominating the game from the start, Argentina were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check after Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the box by two Austrian defenders. Messi casually took the shot from the spot, only to see it to wide on the right.

Had Messi scored that goal, he would have surpassed Klose to become the all-time top-goal...