Story perspectives

Messi Remains Penalty Taker Despite Record Misses, Coach Says

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi will stay the penalty taker whenever he chooses, despite two World Cup misses.
Lionel Messi's two missed penalties lower his conversion to four of seven and give him record for missed penalties in history.
Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi plays centrally while the team structures its movement around him.
Lionel Scaloni dismissed coach Hossam Hassan's favouritism claim after a VAR-nullified goal, citing referee guidelines.

History

Historical Context

Roberto Baggio’s missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, which gave Brazil a 3-2 shoot-out win, remains a benchmark for high-pressure spot-kicks. His career penalty conversion rate of 85 % and record nine World Cup goals illustrate the contrast with today’s Argentine captain Lionel Messi, who faces similar scrutiny from coach Lionel Scaloni and FIFA’s emphasis on backup takers.

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Story summary

Coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi will stay the penalty taker whenever he chooses, despite two World Cup misses.
Lionel Messi's two missed penalties lower his conversion to four of seven and give him record for missed penalties in history.
Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi plays centrally while the team structures its movement around him.
Lionel Scaloni dismissed coach Hossam Hassan's favouritism claim after a VAR-nullified goal, citing referee guidelines.

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