Lionel Messi's World Cup scoring quest was left hanging by a thread as he squandered an opportunity to shatter Pele's record – and his own nerves – from the penalty spot against Austria.
The maestro had been on song, netting nine goals in this tournament so far, but this one that got away will haunt him. One goal shy of Brazil's all-time great Pele's mark, Messi will have to wait another day for a chance to etch his name into the history books.
With just minutes left on the clock and Argentina clinging to a 2-1 lead, Messi stepped up to seal the record – but his shot sailed over the bar like a wounded bird. It was a moment of agonising anticipation that left the sold-out crowd at the Lusail Iconic Stadium – and the watching world – gasping in unison.
When quizzed about his miss, Messi deflected questions with characteristic humility: 'He is human.' When pressed further on his penalty decision, he shrugged off the pressure: 'I took my time, I was calm, but it didn't go in.'