LIONEL MESSI cried after Argentina’s bonkers win against Egypt – because he missed another penalty.
The footie icon burst into tears at full-time after inspiring yet another remarkable result at the World Cup as his side came from 2-0 down with 11 minutes to go to win in normal time.
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Lionel Messi cried after Argentina beat Egypt – and his first thought was of missing another penalty Credit: Getty
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir saves Lionel Messi’s penalty Credit: AP
Messi, 39, equalised for Argentina after Cristian Romero had sparked a comeback, and couldn’t contain his emotions at the end.
But things could have been so different if he had converted an early penalty to make it 1-1 in the first half.
And that is why he broke down, because his poor form from 12 yards put a whole country through the wringer.
Speaking afterwards, Messi said: [Translated] “I was really frustrated with everything that happened in the match today, especially after missing that penalty.
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“If I had scored, it would have changed the dynamic of the game. We were actually playing well, despite the goal we conceded.”
In the process, Messi created unwanted history, becoming the first player EVER to miss two pens at a World Cup.
This was his 150th career spot kick and also the 34th he’s failed to score.
For a player widely regarded as the GOAT, his 77 per cent conversion record is strangely low.
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But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.
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And he has now missed half of all his World Cup pens, including four of his last eight.
The Inter Miami forward couldn’t even find the target in the 2-0 group stage win over Austria – but he did still score twice in the match.
He also has eight for this tournament alone and 21 at World Cups in total – a record which continues to grow.
And he at least forced a save in Atlanta, once more going to the goalie’s left.
But Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and parried the shot away from danger.
When Argentina found themselves up against it late on, Messi’s act looked likely to be costly.
In the end he still had the last laugh – but it only came after tears of relief, frustration, and joy.
He continued: “This group deserved to keep going, deserved to keep fighting and trying.
“We managed to get that goal from Cuti [Romero], and I think that’s when everyone felt it deep down, we believed it was possible, that we could pull it off.
“We were lucky enough to equalise and win it within the 90 minutes, we didn’t even have to go to extra time.
“Things looked grim at 2-0, but we managed to turn the match around.
“Overcoming a two-goal deficit like that, honestly, it’s not easy, especially in a World Cup, given how the tournament is playing out and the fact that no one gives you anything for free. “
