Planet Money · Friday, July 3, 2026
Despite being one of the best soccer players, Lionel Messi's penalty kick success rate is below average, even missing crucial kicks. This highlights how penalty taking involves more than just kicking skill, incorporating game theory and psychological elements.
“Last week, one of the best soccer players of all time did something kind of shocking.”
“Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick.”
“The top World Cup scorer of all time is actually a slightly below average penalty kicker.”