Lionel Messi 'Hurt' by Penalty Miss in Argentina's Draw With Iceland
MOSCOW (Dispatches) -Lionel Messi has said he was "obviously hurt" by missing a penalty in Argentina's 1-1 draw with Iceland at the World Cup .
The 30-year-old saw a spot-kick saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson with the scores level in the 64th minute.
It would prove costly as Iceland - the smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup - held on to frustrate Argentina in their Group D opener.
"It would have changed the script. It was the advantage," said Messi about his penalty.
"Obviously it hurts me to have missed the penalty. They would have opened a little more and we could have found more spaces. I feel responsible for not having been able to take the three points. I have no doubt that a goal from the penalty kick would have changed everything.
Messi has now missed four of the last seven penalties that he has taken for Argentina and Barcelona.
Argentina next face Croatia, who beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening match to top the group.
****************Lionel Messi could not secure victory for Argentina
The 30-year-old saw a spot-kick saved by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson with the scores level in the 64th minute.
It would prove costly as Iceland - the smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup - held on to frustrate Argentina in their Group D opener.
"It would have changed the script. It was the advantage," said Messi about his penalty.
"Obviously it hurts me to have missed the penalty. They would have opened a little more and we could have found more spaces. I feel responsible for not having been able to take the three points. I have no doubt that a goal from the penalty kick would have changed everything.
Messi has now missed four of the last seven penalties that he has taken for Argentina and Barcelona.
Argentina next face Croatia, who beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening match to top the group.
****************Lionel Messi could not secure victory for Argentina