Argentina Vs Iceland: Messi misses penalty to draw 1-1 with Iceland

Lionel Messi’s penalty was saved as Iceland put up a great defensive performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Argentina in Group D of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The South Americans Argentina opened scoring in the 19th minute through striker Sergio Aguero, but Iceland responded in less than five minutes after through forward Alfred Finnbogason.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi (C) shots a penalty kick during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Iceland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 16, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Juan Mabromata

Argentina had a glorious chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the second-half, and many watching expected superstar Messi to score, but Messi could only watch as Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson saved his spot-kick.

Hallsorsson went on to make a string of important saves as his side held on for a crucial draw in a game many expected Argentina to win.

Argentina’s next game is against Croatia on June 21 before they play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on June 26. Iceland will play Nigeria on June 22 then Croatia on June 26.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup has already served some mouth-watering ties and unexpected results.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago

Greg is a Sports content writer. He has many years of experience in Sports Writing. He was a writer for Opera News and is Editor-in-Chief at GoalBall.