Lionel Messi may have become the highest-scoring player in World Cup history with his brace against Austria, but the Argentine picked up an unwanted statistic along the way.

Before putting Ralf Rangnick’s side to the sword in a 2-0 victory, and surpassing Miroslav Klose’s long-standing benchmark in the process, Messi proved he is human. After Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the area, the 39-year-old was given the chance to open the scoring from 12 yards out.

But he stepped up and fired the ball harmlessly wide, leaving everyone in the stadium and watching from home stunned. Should everyone have been so shocked, though? After all, that failure from the spot meant Messi has missed three of his seven World Cup penalties.

Lionel Messi’s Penalty Struggles Explained

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Geir Jordet, The Athletic’s penalty expert, has explained why Messi was unsuccessful against Austria. He pointed out the delayed run-up from the Argentine, waiting for the goalkeeper to make a move.

Analysing the footage, Jordet explained that this technique, also adopted by players like Bruno Fernandes and Jorginho, causes the taker to ‘lose some precision’. The expert said:

“My guess is that when Messi, mid-kick, sees Schlager go in the same direction his shot is intended to go — and it’s too late to change it — he attempts to make sure it is placed as far over to the post as possible, and it goes wide.”

Another key reason why only Cristiano Ronaldo (36) has missed more spot-kicks than Messi (33) in the 21st century is the fact the latter doesn’t have a set technique. With players like Ronaldo or Harry Kane, for example, you know what to expect.

However, Messi often changes his technique. At the start of his career, Messi would shoot low after a short run-up. His tendency to shoot very quickly after the referee’s whistle goes against him, as research suggests this leads to lower conversion rates, perhaps through nervousness.

Messi ‘Angry’ After 33rd Penalty Miss of His Career

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Following the 33rd miss of his long career, Messi admitted he was less than happy with himself. Perhaps confirming that precision is reduced by the technique he used, the Barcelona icon claimed he ‘kicked it very badly’.

In his post-match interview, Messi told reporters: “Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed it.

“I kicked it very badly, and well, luckily we were able to turn that situation around, take the lead and get the three points, which is what’s important.”

England fans have singled out an ‘overrated’ ace who ‘ghosted’ in the Three Lions’ leggy World Cup performance in a 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday night. Just a week on from their convincing, free-flowing attacking display over old foes Croatia, and Thomas Tuchel’s side looked completely different.

Indeed, for much of the 90 minutes in Boston, they looked to play with the shackles on, with much of the action being stuck in midfield, being lost and won without any real sustained threat any further up the pitch. Whether the heat had played It’s part or not, onlookers were quick to take note of certain players that weren’t pulling their weight in the pursuit of ending a 60-year trophy drought.

Heading into the tournament, the harsh spotlight was on the omissions of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. By the end of the second match, questions are once again being raised by those bold decisions made by their manager, with Jude Bellingham being a passive presence in the midfield battle.

England Player Labelled ‘Most Overhyped Player on Planet’ After Ghana Limp

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Among the first to come off in a host of changes made by his manager halfway through the second-half, it is Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham who has been singled out for criticism by England fans.

“Jude Bellingham is an overrated, hotheaded glory hunter. So many chances missed with his stupid double touch. Just strike the ball man. Get him off for the second half,” one X user said at halftime. Elsewhere, another added, pretty sensationally:

A third wrote: “Jude Bellingham faces a functioning midfield pivot of Partey and Sibo and, once again, ghosts,” as a fourth continued: “Bellingham has to be the most overrated, overhyped average player on this planet!”

Elsewhere, a fifth concluded: “Bellingham struts around the field with the arrogance of Cristiano Ronaldo and the ability of Joe Allen.”

England’s Chances of Topping Group L Take Big Hit

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For the fourth tournament in a row, England have drawn their second match, which immediately brings the mood from a positive opener down. More importantly, though, it means their chances of finishing the group stage top has now taken a big hit ahead of a crunch tie vs bottom-placed Panama.

But they can still feel confident of their chances given that Ghana must still get past Luka Modric and a Croatia side that has struck a perfect balance between old and new ahead of their trip to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Currently, England and Ghana are level on four points, with Tuchel’s side ahead by one goal difference.

Liverpool have clearly identified their attack as the key position for strengthening this summer, as they look to give new manager Andoni Iraola the squad he needs next season to make a strong charge in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Liverpool may have been beaten by eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Europe’s elite club competition last term, but they were beaten comfortably across two legs, all while finishing 25 points adrift of Arsenal in the Premier League as they looked to defend the title they won in Arne Slot’s maiden season in charge.

The Reds have already completed the signing of winger Victor Munoz out of nowhere after hijacking Newcastle United’s move for the Spain international, but they remain determined to bring in another wide forward ahead of next season.

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has emerged as their top target as they look to find a long-term replacement for the departing Mohamed Salah, with the club said to be making progress on personal terms with the teenager as they look to convince him to move to Anfield.

Liverpool have already had one bid rejected for the 19-year-old, and agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga outfit could prove a hurdle too tricky to overcome.

It would be no surprise if the Merseysiders are already considering alternative targets.

Bradley Barcola Tempted by Liverpool Move

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Despite signing Munoz and as talks continue over a deal to sign Diomande, Le10Sport in France claim that Liverpool have reignited their interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola having attempted to sign him last summer.

The report says that Barcola is ‘thrilled’ by the prospect of a move to Anfield and is ‘excited’ by the thought of continuing his career in the Premier League.

PSG have refused to rule out an exit for the ‘world-class’ France international too, believing they have several options to fill the void if the 23-year-old leaves the Parc des Princes.

PSG are said to value Barcola at up to €130m (£112m) as they consider cashing in on the Frenchman.

Barcola is Way Better Than Diomande

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Diomande has clearly been Liverpool’s top winger target in recent weeks, but there is no doubt that Barcola is currently way better than the Ivory Coast international.

That’s not to say that the 19-year-old isn’t already a good player with a huge future ahead of him, but he has also only played one senior season of football.

Diomande looks to have all the attributes to be one of the best wingers in Europe in future with his pace, end product and defensive work rate, but Barcola is already there.

The France international has won the Champions League twice and the Ligue 1 title three times during 152 appearances for PSG, scoring 39 goals and registering a further 37 assists.

He has delivered consistently and over a longer period for the best club in Europe and, at 23 years of age, should still have his best years ahead of him.

You only had to see his goal in France’s opening World Cup game against Senegal to see the quality he has, as he went through on goal before brilliantly dinking the goalkeeper.

Liverpool will be getting a good player whoever they land out of Barcola and Diomande, but it is the former who is the finished product right now.