Messi shatters more World Cup records in Argentina's win over Cape Verde

Lionel Messi added another historic chapter to his career after breaking multiple FIFA World Cup records during Argentina's Round of 32 victory over Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Argentina captain opened the scoring to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead, while also becoming the first player in World Cup history to score 20 career goals in the tournament.

Messi also reached another unprecedented milestone by making his 30th FIFA World Cup appearance, the most by any player in the competition's history.

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates with teammate Argentina's defender #26 Nahuel Molina scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, July 3, 2026. (AFP Photo)

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Continues to rewrite World Cup history

The goal was the 39-year-old's seventh of the 2026 World Cup, equaling the personal best he recorded during Argentina's triumphant 2022 campaign. In addition, Messi extended his streak of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.

Argentina ultimately secured a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde to book their place in the Round of 16.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is also on the verge of another World Cup milestone. A single additional assist would move Messi past Diego Maradona as the outright leader for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history.

July 04, 2026 11:05 AM GMT+03:00