Football World Cup: Argentina rue Lionel Messi penalty miss as Iceland hold out for dramatic draw

Argentina were left to rue a missed Lionel Messi penalty and a decision not to award them a second penalty, despite the use of VAR at this year's World Cup, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in Moscow.

Messi was presented with a chance break Iceland's brave resistance from the spot in the 64th minute after Hordur Magnusson collided with Maximiliano Meza in the box, but he put his effort too close to Hannes Halldorsson, who made an easy save.

Shortly afterwards, substitute Cristian Pavon looked like he had been brought down in the area by Birkir Saevarsson, but the referee waved away the Argentine protests.

Replays appeared to show a foul by the Iceland right-back, but the Video Assistant Referee decided against overturning the decision. Just a few hours after France had been awarded a penalty after a video review in their win over Australia, Argentina may have reason to feel hard done by.

On they pressed for a winner, but Iceland's tiring players kept them at bay, ensuring Argentina failed to win their opening match at a World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty attempt by Argentina's Lionel Messi during the group D match between Argentina and Iceland. Photo / AP

Iceland's fans provided a dramatic backdrop to an enthralling affair, performing the 'viking clap' that haunted England during their defeat to the Scandanavians at Euro 2016.

They were silenced early on when Sergio Aguero fired Argentina in front after 19 minutes when he controlled Marcos Rojo's miscued shot and turned to fire superbly into the top corner to score his first ever World Cup goal.

The lead lasted just four minutes, though, as sloppy defending allowed Gylfi Sigurdsson space to drill at goal from the right. Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero could only parry and the awaiting Alfred Finnbogason made no mistake from six yards out.

Argentina had a total of 27 shots to Iceland's eight, with Messi alone attempting 11, but nobody in a blue shirt could find a way through.

The draw left the Barcelona star Messi facing more frustration on the international stage, where he has been unable to match his achievements at club level.

He finished as runner-up at the 2014 World Cup, and has on three occasions lost in the final of the Copa America. His hopes of emulating the watching Diego Maradona rest, in many people's minds, on whether he can win the World Cup.

Argentina - and Messi - will need to see marked improvements if they are to win the tournament this time around.

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