From Ronaldo's celebration to Messi's frustration

BeSoccer 7 years ago 2.3k
Messi missed a penalty against Iceland. GOAL

Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick on his Russia 2018 bow but there was misery for great rival Lionel Messi as Argentina were held.

Lionel Messi set an unwanted World Cup record as he saw a penalty saved in Argentina's World Cup opener against Iceland.

Messi regularly fired efforts at goal during Saturday's 1-1 Group D draw in Moscow, including a second-half spot-kick that was beaten away by Hannes Thor Halldorsson.

The Barcelona star fired wide late on and had a pair of efforts saved in the first period, but could not find a way through the determined Iceland defence.

Messi had 11 shots during the game - Iceland managed eight - but failed to find the net as Sergio Aguero's fine strike was cancelled out by Alfred Finnbogason.

Despite the contrasting fortunes of their star players, Argentina and Portugal each have a point to show from their opening fixtures, with work to do to qualify for the World Cup's knockout rounds.

Mentioned in the news story

World Cup
Argentina
L. Messi