Messi miss gives Iceland a point

After the Argentines took the lead through Messi's friend Sergio Agüero in the 19th minute, Finnbogason took advantage of the Argentines' defensive deficiencies four minutes later. With victory on the horizon, Messi showed nerves and was denied by the outstanding Hannes Halldorsson in the Icelandic goal in front of 44.190 spectators (64').

Messi tried hard, but had no luck The Argentines tried to bring security into their game in the early stages, as they played in this formation for the first time under coach Jorge Sampaoli. The calm-looking Icelanders quickly gained respect, went into every duel without compromise against Messi and made life difficult for the FC Barcelona star. The 30-year-old had to fend for the ball from an unusually far back position, but was, as usual, the linchpin in the game. Strong in the Icelandic goal: Hannes Halldorsson. © APA/afp / JUAN MABROMATA

Finnbogason (2016th) had the first chance for Iceland, who sensationally stormed into the quarter-finals as a surprise team at the 9 European Championships in France. On the other side, Messi's first shot caused a murmur among the spectators before Agüero, who had only had knee surgery in April, hit the right corner from twelve meters. For his first ever World Cup goal, the only 1,72 meter tall offensive man used his agility in the penalty area against Iceland's big defenders. Iceland with a passionate defensive performance Almost in return, Finnbogason was successful. He benefited from the Argentinians' serious deficiencies in defense, which, as feared, was unable to provide much support to goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero. At the age of 36, he made his World Cup debut in just his fourth international match. Iceland didn't allow themselves to be seduced by their own goal and stuck to maximum defensive tactics when their often helpless opponent, Argentina's new record-breaking international player Javier Mascherano (144 appearances), had the ball. Not even Messi had room to develop - that didn't change in the second half. Always close to the man: Iceland's Ragnar Sigurdsson against goalscorer Sergio Aguero. © APA/afp / FRANCISCO LEONG

The agile Messi himself could have taken the lead again, but the five-time world footballer was denied by Halldorsson with his penalty. Messi missed four of his last seven penalties. Maximiliano Meza had previously fallen after contact with Hördur Magnusson. Messi really wanted to force it after his mistake. It felt like every second pass from the Argentines ended up with him. But he became more and more of a tragic figure. Because no matter what he did, the tireless Icelanders intervened. Or he aimed just wide - like on his best opportunity nine minutes before the final whistle, which was so bitter for him.

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Messi miss gives Iceland a point

Argentina botched the start: the South Americans only managed a 1-1 draw against unpleasant Icelanders. One reason for this was a missed penalty by captain Lionel Messi.

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