Lionel Messi yet again failed to score against World Cup minnows Iceland who held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in Group D clash inside Spartak Arena in Moscow. Sergio Aguero scored his first World Cup goal in spectacular fashion on the 20th minute mark but soon afterwards Alfred Finnbogsan took advantage of weak defending from Argentina to level the score.
Messi stepped up to take the spot kick after Meza was fouled inside the box by Magnusson, but Messi’s shot was saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorson.
Messi attempted shot after shot with his left foot from distance throughout the match only to see the ball stopped by the icy walls of Iceland. Messi also attempted quite a few free kicks, but again he failed to find the back of the net. All of those shots were a case of ‘so near but…oh so far’! On the 80th minute, a hopeful ball was played into the box, Messi plucked the ball out of the air, and just before Messi could line up the volley, Iceland's Saevarsson booted the ball clear. It was a day of missed chances for Messi.
Thor Halldorson again made an incredible save from a Pavon shot on the 90th minute mark. With an additional 5 minutes of injury time, Lionel Messi got a free kick from 30 yards out but he again hit the wall and the referee ended the game.
However, it was admirable of Iceland to have stopped Argentina with such confidence. Only time will tell if this game will cost Argentina this year’s World Cup.
