Throughout his career, Messi has stepped up for penalties in World Cup finals, Copa America finals and Champions League knockout matches.
He has taken Argentina’s first kick in nine shootouts, finding the net seven times. His only unsuccessful attempts came against Chile in the 2016 Copa America final and against Ecuador in the 2024 Copa América quarter-final.
Perhaps that record is why Lionel Scaloni has shown little desire to alter the arrangement. When asked directly before Argentina’s quarter-final with Switzerland whether Messi should continue as the designated penalty taker, the national team coach gave a straightforward response.
“Above all, Leo will take penalties if he wants to,” Scaloni stated. “We do have other players who are capable, but if he decides to take them, then that’s what will happen.”
It is important to recall that Messi’s most impressive tournament from the penalty mark was only four years ago.
At Qatar 2022, he converted six of his seven spot kicks, helping to launch Argentina’s charge by scoring first in the shootouts against both the Netherlands and France as they claimed the trophy.
This competition has unfolded differently. The misses have crept back in. Each time, Messi has found a way to make amends on the pitch, yet the discussion around his role is unlikely to go away.
Across the last two World Cups, no side has been awarded more penalties than Argentina. They have received eight since 2022 — twice as many as any other nation — including a record five during that triumphant campaign and three already in the current 2026 edition.
On both occasions Messi has failed from the spot in this tournament, the team has still progressed. A third opportunity might not yield the same outcome. The margin for error will only grow slimmer.
That is why, as uncomfortable as it might seem, a genuine conversation now needs to take place. Not about Messi’s standing among the all-time greats, but about whether, for the remainder of this World Cup, another player should assume penalty responsibilities during normal play.
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