The winger was presented with a gilt-edged chance to score in the second half after Riyad Mahrez - who scored the only goal of the game to seal the three points - was caught in possession by Dele Alli in his own half.
The Tottenham man fed Lamela, who in hindsight had the time to control the ball, stand still and pick his spot.
Given the 26-year-old's excellent form, taking the chance almost seemed like a formality, but he forget the golden rule of finishing and leant back and skied his effort.
Pochettino displayed his sympathetic side afterwards, excusing Lamela of fault to instead point the finger at the NFL-battered Wembley pitch.
"I saw the ball going towards Lamela and I thought goal," he told 'Sky Sports'.
"But watching the replay of the action, the ball bounced just before it reached the boot of Lamela and that is why he missed the chance."