Lionel Messi ruthlessly trolled online as costly penalty miss sees Argentina draw with Iceland
Viewers of the clash between Argentina and Iceland have taken to social media in their droves this evening to (rather harshly) take aim at Lionel Messi, after the Barcelona star’s missed penalty ultimately cost the Albiceleste all 3 points.
Matchup
The two countries went head to head at the Spartak Stadium in their respective World Cup openers this afternoon, with Argentina having understandably come into proceedings as heavy favourites.
However, Iceland, having famously ousted England from Euro 2016, were widely known to be a tough nut to crack, with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men having also topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of the likes of Croatia and the Ukraine.
Line-ups
The matches keep on coming!
Next up: #ARGISL pic.twitter.com/gbtQB307a6
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 16, 2018
1-1
This afternoon’s matchup started out in hectic fashion, as both sides exchanged early chances before Sergio Aguero’s sensational turn and finish gave Argentina a deserved lead.
Sergio Aguero gives Argentina the lead after 19 minutes.#RTEsoccerhttps://t.co/A8yeguWpVk pic.twitter.com/XRwSUcNNH3
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 16, 2018
However, the advantage held by Jorge Sampaoli’s men lasted less than 5 minutes, as Iceland’s Alfred Finnbogason slammed home following a poorly-directed save from Willy Caballero.
Alfred Finnbogason smashes home the equaliser for Iceland following more suspect defending by Argentina.#RTEsoccerhttps://t.co/A8yeguWpVk pic.twitter.com/bEoAnTWqGs
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 16, 2018
Proceedings soon calmed, as Iceland looked increasingly happy to hold out for a draw.
Argentina did have the opportunity to get their noses back in front just past the hour mark, though, when Lionel Messi’s lofted pass saw Maximiliano Meza felled in the Iceland box.
Messi stepped up to take the ensuing spot-kick, but his disappointing effort was well saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson:
Messi misses penalty – great save from Halldorsson to keep the score level in Moscow.#ARG 1-1 #ISLhttps://t.co/A8yeguWpVk pic.twitter.com/Abd8jp89EU
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 16, 2018
And, despite their best efforts over the remaining half-hour, Argentina failed to break down Iceland’s stout backline, as the latter held out for another famous result.
Slated
Unsurprisingly, despite Lionel Messi having had to carry Argentina for the entirety of this afternoon’s fixture, fans online (particularly those who favour Ronaldo in the debate between the two) quickly took aim at the Barcelona superstar, with some of the highlights below:
Iceland Keeper job is a film director. Today he saved Messi’s penalty. Unreal story pic.twitter.com/v2eCeajqwz
— Osman (@OsmanZtheGooner) June 16, 2018
🎯 Shots in their opening World Cup games…
– Lionel Messi: 11 shots, 0 goals
– Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 shots, 3 goals
L E V E L S#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/IfM3SGwOXk
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) June 16, 2018
Anyone knows the time of Messi’s next retirement announcement? Don’t wanna miss it 👀
— OMAR 👑 (@Omar__cr7_) June 16, 2018
For those keeping score of goals at home:
Ronaldo – 3
Messi – 0 pic.twitter.com/XJMQPHD3DD— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 16, 2018
See what they did to Little man
Your Goat, Messi 😂#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/NVV2Rhqacv
— DADDY HOE 👅 🇳🇬🇬🇭🇿🇦🇰🇪 (@MAXxYFIRE) June 16, 2018
Lionel Messi has his Kryptonite. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yAp7R7Z8X8
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) June 16, 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo scores a penalty and a hat-trick against the best goalkeeper in the world.
“Lionel Messi over to you”
Misses from 12 yards against a 34-year-old film director.
— Bright Forlan (@Forlanxy) June 16, 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain 🇪🇸
✅ Scored a penalty
✅ Scored a free-kick
✅ Completed a hattrickLionel Messi vs Iceland 🇮🇸
❌ Missed a penalty
❌ Missed several free-kicks
❌ Failed to score pic.twitter.com/De85ZdINL6— Footy Jokes (@Footy_JokesOG) June 16, 2018
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