Lionel Messi has been a subject to online trolls, following his missed penalty against Ecuador in the 2024 COPA America quarterfinal.
Although it took longer than anticipated, Argentina made progress in a close match against Ecuador.
Lionel Scaloni’s men took the lead in the tense contest when Lisandro Martinez headed a cross from Alexis Mac Allister to score the goal in the first half.
However, Kevin Rodriguez equalized for La Tri at stoppage time, forcing a penalty shootout.
Messi’s failed paneka penalty
Messi stepped up to take the first penalty for Argentina but saw his paneka hit the crossbar. Despite Messi’s miss, La Albiceleste emerged winners with a 4-2 victory after the shootout, thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s masterclass.
Rodrigo De Paul to Leo Messi after missing the penalty kick
“We're going to win it, we're going to win.” @rodridepaul
— Fan Club | Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) July 5, 2024
Fans react to Lionel Messi’s penalty miss
Fans have taken to social media to troll Lionel Messi following his penalty miss, with many comparing the incident to Cristiano Ronaldo’s, insinuating the Argentine captain receives less backlash.
One wrote, ”Zero Goals for Messi in Copa America and he missed a penalty in the shootout, but no journalist will ever say he’s holding Argentina back. God forbid if it was Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Another user commented, ”The most protected player in history.”
A third wrote, ”They know the midget can’t handle the pressure! He is so allergic to pressure”
They know the midget can't handle the pressure! He is so allergic to pressure
— CUNGUMUNTU😴💤 (@YEGOKOBABA) July 5, 2024
While a fourth wrote, ”This big fraud won majority of his Ballon d’Or robbing rightful owners”
