Lionel Messi continues to impress at the 2026 World Cup, leading Argentina to a dramatic comeback against Egypt in the knockout stage. Despite his brilliance, Messi missed two penalties in the tournament, raising questions about whether he should remain the team's designated penalty taker. His recent miss against Egypt was particularly notable, as it marked a record for the most penalties missed by a player in a single World Cup edition.
While Messi's overall performance remains exceptional, the contrast between his success in open play and struggles from the penalty spot has led to discussions about potential alternatives within the squad. Players like Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister have shown strong penalty conversion rates, yet the challenge of replacing Messi in this role complicates the decision for the coaching staff.