England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi and his struggles from the penalty spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions are preparing for a semi-final clash against Argentina, having overcome Norway in the last round.

Pickford spoke at a press conference and was asked about Messi's penalty blues in the FIFA World Cup this summer. The Everton goalkeeper pointed out that he does not think that the 39-year-old is bothered by his failure to convert penalties, stating that misses are normal for players who take many penalties.

Lionel Messi got a chance to score from the spot against Austria in the group stage but sent his effort wide of the upright. His miss then made him the player with the most penalty misses in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

A second opportunity came in the Round of 16 clash against Egypt, when Nicolas Tagliafico won a penalty with La Albiceleste trailing 1-0. Messi stepped up once again and got his effort on target, but this time it was at a saveable height for Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir, allowing him to push it away. Messi is the only player to ever miss two penalties in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi will come up against England for the first time as a professional after the FIFA World Cup pitted Argentina against the Three Lions. The sides will meet in the semi-final of the competition, with a place in Sunday's final on the line.

Messi has never played a game against England in his career, despite playing over 1,000 games for club and country. The forward missed out on a meeting with England in early 2006, as he was suspended for the game after receiving a straight red card in his international debut.

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates are pursuing successive World Cup titles, having won it in Qatar four years ago. England, on the other hand, are looking to secure their first title since 1966 and have some of the world's best players on their books.

Quick Links