Argentina weighs alternatives to Messi for penalty duties
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 6:05 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Argentina is considering whether to remove Lionel Messi from penalty-taking responsibilities due to his recent struggles. Messi has missed two penalties during the 2026 World Cup, bringing his career conversion rate down to 78.12%. With strong performances from teammates like Julian Alvarez, who boasts a 89.47% conversion rate, the team may explore options to ease the load on Messi. The decision comes as Argentina prepares for their final match in the tournament against Spain, where every scoring opportunity is crucial.
- •Messi's penalty conversion rate now stands at 78.12%.
- •Julian Alvarez has scored 17 of 19 career penalties.
- •Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes have strong conversion rates as well.
- •Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final.
- 6:05 PMYahoo Sports — Should Argentina take Lionel Messi off penalties? Julian Alvarez and the other men to end Leo's penalty woe
"Lionel Messi is the consensus greatest soccer player of all time. And a painfully average penalty taker.
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