HWatch: Messiâs Panenka Denied as Inter Miami Miss Crucial Chance
In a jaw-dropping moment that shocked fans in the stadium and millions watching worldwide, Lionel Messi was denied from the penalty spot during Inter Miamiâs latest MLS clash. The Argentine icon, famed for his brilliance under pressure, attempted a daring Panenka â only to see it comfortably saved in what proved a pivotal moment in the match.
The lead-up
Miami had been on the front foot, pressing relentlessly for a breakthrough. When the referee awarded a penalty, anticipation surged through the crowd. All eyes turned to Messi, who strode to the spot with trademark calmness, ready to deliver yet again.
The bold decision
Rather than opting for power or precision, Messi chose audacity â a delicate Panenka, the kind of cheeky chip that leaves goalkeepers diving the wrong way. The crowd braced for another highlight-reel moment.
But instead of glory, came disbelief. The keeper held his ground, coolly plucking the ball from the air as the chipped effort floated toward him. The stadium gasped, then fell silent â Miamiâs best chance gone in an instant.
A rare slip
For Messi, such failures are almost unthinkable. The World Cup winner has scored from the spot in footballâs biggest arenas â Champions League deciders, international finals, you name it. Yet even legends have off days, and this miss underscored footballâs unforgiving nature.
What followed
The save flipped the script. Miami, who had looked dominant, suddenly appeared rattled, while their opponents surged with new confidence. Messi, visibly frustrated, tried to rally his side, but the missed penalty dominated the nightâs narrative.
For the goalkeeper, the stop was nothing short of iconic. Denying Lionel Messi â and doing so against a Panenka â will forever stand as a defining highlight of his career.
