In recent high-stakes football matches, penalty controversies have taken center stage, notably involving Lionel Messi in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final and Julián Álvarez in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi’s Penalty in the 2022 World Cup Final: A Clean Execution
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on December 18, 2022, Argentina faced France in a thrilling match that ended 3-3 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, successfully converted his penalty during the shootout, contributing to Argentina’s 4-2 victory in penalties, securing their third World Cup title. There were no reports or controversies suggesting that Messi’s penalty involved a double touch; his execution was clean and within the rules.
Julián Álvarez’s Disallowed Penalty: A Case of Double Contact
On March 12, 2025, the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid culminated in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate score. A pivotal moment occurred when Atlético’s Julián Álvarez slipped while taking his penalty, leading to a double contact with the ball—first with his standing foot and then with his kicking foot. According to the rules, a penalty must be taken with a single touch; thus, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.
This decision sparked controversy. Atlético’s coach, Diego Simeone, questioned the call, challenging anyone to confirm witnessing the double touch. Álvarez himself admitted to slipping but did not feel the double contact, adding to the debate. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, defended the referee’s decision, expressing frustration over the perceived victimhood narrative from Atlético’s camp.
Understanding the Double Touch Rule in Penalty Kicks
The Laws of the Game stipulate that during a penalty kick, the ball must be kicked in a single motion. If the kicker touches the ball twice before it contacts another player, the goal is disallowed, and an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. This rule ensures fairness and maintains the integrity of the penalty-taking process.
