Messi and Kane Share Historic World Cup Penalty Record with Six Attempts

Lionel Messi and Harry Kane have tied for the most penalties taken in FIFA World Cup history, each with six spot-kick attempts across their tournament careers. Kane reached the milestone with a successful conversion against Croatia in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating the composure required to match one of football's most storied records.

Kane's penalty record stands at five goals from six attempts, with his only miss going wide of the target. Messi's record shows four successful penalties from six attempts, with two of his efforts saved by opposing goalkeepers. The statistical comparison underscores the different paths both players have taken to reach this shared record, with Kane maintaining a higher conversion rate despite taking the same number of attempts.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains within reach of this historic mark, having taken four penalties at World Cups. The Portuguese forward would require two additional penalty attempts to equal the record currently held by Messi and Kane, leaving open the possibility that the distinction could be shared among three players by the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. The record, as defined by statistics experts, excludes penalties taken during shootouts after extra time, distinguishing these open-play spot-kicks as a measure of players' ability to perform under pressure in regulation match situations.

Other notable penalty-takers in World Cup history include Eusébio, Rob Rensenbrink, and Gabriel Batistuta, each with four penalties converted. Asamoah Gyan also took four penalties, though with varied results including hits to the post and crossbar. These records reflect the critical importance of penalty-taking ability in World Cup success and the pressure-handling skills required at football's highest level.