Sportsbook

Sportradar explains how bets are skyrocketing on Messi's historic performance at the World Cup

Wednesday 24 de June 2026 / 12:00

⏱ 1 min read

(St. Gallen).- Sportradar revealed that Lionel Messi’s record-breaking appearance in Texas generated significant engagement among soccer fans across global betting markets.

Sportradar explains how bets are skyrocketing on Messi's historic performance at the World Cup

Record-breaking night drives global betting engagement

Sportradar processed more than four million betting tickets on behalf of 250 betting operator clients during the match between Argentina and Austria, which saw Messi become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Messi dominates player betting markets

Messi was the clear favorite across player-focused betting markets, with fans backing the forward to continue his impressive run in the tournament.

In the "player to score" market, Messi accounted for 93% of the total betting volume.

Left-foot market proves popular among bettors

Bettors who backed Messi in the "player to score with left foot" market were rewarded, as both of his goals came from his preferred left foot.

According to Sportradar's insights, Messi represented 90% of the betting volume in that market.

Missed penalty triggers spike in in-play betting

The 38-year-old star missed a penalty in the eighth minute of the match, prompting a sharp increase in betting activity immediately afterward.

Approximately 10% of all money wagered during the game was placed between the 11th and 15th minutes, as fans reacted to the missed spot kick and adjusted their in-play betting strategies.

Categoría:Sportsbook

Tags: Sportradar,

País: Switzerland

Región: EMEA