#RUSSIA2018WC: Messi disappoints as Iceland hold Argentina

Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in their World Cup Group D opener in Moscow.

The Barcelona star saw his spot-kick saved by Hannes Thor Halldorsson as a battling Iceland side held on for the draw.

This is the fourth penalty awarded at the 2018 World Cup and the first one which was not converted.

Sergio Aguero gave Argentina the lead with his first ever World Cup in the 19th minute only for Alfred Finnbogason to level for Iceland within four minutes.

Argentina dominated possession, with Messi himself having 10 shots on goal, but Iceland’s brave rearguard stood firm as they earned their first ever World Cup point.

Messi was under pressure to deliver after Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a hattrick against Spain on Friday but ultimately disappointed.

Argentina and Messi will aim to better this showing next week Friday against Croatia.