Topics: FIFA World Cup, Argentina, Poland, Lionel Messi
The Argentine superstar failed to convert from the spot after a questionable call went in his side's favor.

Lionel Messi spurned a glorious opportunity to mark his historic appearance with a goal against Poland on Wednesday night. In what was the final group game for the pair, the 35-year-old had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny.

Ahead of Wednesday's encounter, Lionel Messi broke Diego Maradona's record for the most FIFA World Cup appearances by an Argentina player. With his appearance against Poland, he took his caps for the current Copa America holders to 22 games, with both players tied on a record eight goals.

After a cagey affair inside the first 35 minutes, Argentina were awarded a penalty following VAR's recommendation in the 37th minute. Szczęsny mistimed a save and had his hand making contact with the head of Messi who had jumped to meet a cross at the far post. The Paris Saint-Germain then stepped up to the task from 12 yards but could not beat Szczęsny to hand his side the lead ahead of the break.

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With the save, Wojciech Szczesny became only the second goalkeeper on record (since 1966) to save a penalty at the World Cup after conceding it himself, after Joel Bats for France against Brazil in 1986.