Lionel Messi had the chance to give Argentina an early lead over Poland in their final group-stage matchup at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After receiving a (rather generous) penalty from VAR, Messi failed to convert from the spot in a major “ball don't lie” moment, as Poland goalie Wojciech Sczcesny recorded a stunning save, his second PK denial of the tournament. In failing to score from the spot, Messi becomes the first player in history to have had two separate penalties saved by opposing goalkeepers at the World Cup, per ESPN FC.

Sczcesny's epic save puts Messi on the wrong side of history, as that's now the second penalty in his World Cup career that he's had saved by a goalie. He stands alone in that regard.

Article Continues Below
Related Soccer News
May 16, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Gotham FC forward Geyse Ferreira (10) kicks the ball during the first half against San Diego Wave FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Gotham FC makes history with Concacaf W Champions Cup victoryZachary Draves ·
Al Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted in a Saudi Pro League soccer match at King Abdullah Sports City.
Cristiano Ronaldo teases departure after end of Saudi seasonQuinn Allen ·
Emergency services at the scene after multiple people were hit by a car during the Liverpool football club victory parade.
LeBron James reacts to man ramming fans with car at Liverpool victory paradeJason Patt ·
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) shoots past Utah Royals FC midfielder Claudia Zornoza (10) during the second half at America First Field.
Watch this Pride player net the fastest hat trick in NWSL historyMiguel La Torre ·
The Arsenal FC starting eleven pose for a picture prior to their friendly against Washington Spirit at Audi Field.
Arsenal make history with shocking championship upset over BarcelonaMiguel La Torre ·
Jul 6, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; The NWSL logo is seen before a match between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Boston Legacy FC lock down club’s 1st coachZachary Draves ·

Messi was lucky to be awarded a penalty to begin with, but Sczcesny made sure he kept Poland in the game by making the emphatic save while diving to his left. It wasn't a well-placed penalty from the Argentine superstar, who put it too low to get over Sczcesny's outstretched arm.

Lionel Messi will surely be wishing he had that chance back, as lifting the ball a bit more would have been enough to secure him another World Cup goal for his legendary resume. Ultimately, Argentina was able to hold onto the lead and reach the knockout stages. A goal from Alexis Mac Allister gave them a 1-0 lead just after halftime, and Julian Alvarez doubled their tally in the 67th.