Lionel Messi Breaks More FIFA World Cup Records as Argentina Advance Past Cape Verde

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career as Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. The Argentine superstar opened the scoring and shattered multiple records in the process, further cementing his status as one of football’s greatest players.

Playing at Miami Stadium, Messi’s goal helped Argentina survive a major upset scare against an inspired Cape Verde side and secure progression to the next round of the tournament.

Messi Reaches 20 World Cup Goals

The 39-year-old captain broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a composed finish, taking his FIFA World Cup tally to 20 goals. The strike made Messi the first player in men’s or women’s World Cup history to reach the 20-goal milestone.

His latest goal also extended his lead as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, moving him two goals ahead of French star Kylian Mbappé.

Golden Boot Race Intensifies

Messi’s goal against Cape Verde was his seventh of the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. The Argentine captain now leads the Golden Boot standings and sits one goal ahead of Mbappé.

Across Argentina’s last eight World Cup matches, Messi has scored an incredible 12 goals, highlighting his consistency on football’s biggest stage.

Messi Surpasses Pelé and Mbappé

One of the most significant achievements from the match was Messi’s record-breaking contribution in World Cup knockout football.

With six goals and six assists in knockout matches, Messi now has 12 direct goal contributions in FIFA World Cup knockout rounds. That total surpasses legendary Brazilian icon Pelé and French superstar Kylian Mbappé, giving Messi the highest knockout contribution tally recorded over the last six decades.

He has also been directly involved in 10 goals in his last six World Cup knockout appearances, producing six goals and four assists.

Historic Consistency in Knockout Football

Messi’s goal against Cape Verde means he has now scored in five consecutive World Cup knockout matches. Only two other players in history have achieved that feat:

• György Sárosi (Hungary)
• Vavá (Brazil)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Additionally, Messi has scored in each of his previous five World Cup knockout appearances, underlining his reputation as one of football’s greatest big-game performers.

Another Age Record for Messi

At 39 years and 9 days old, Messi also became the third-oldest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

The only players older than Messi to score in a knockout game are:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Pepe
3. Lionel Messi

More Records Within Reach

Messi is now closing in on several additional World Cup milestones.

• Needs one more goal to equal Guillermo Stábile’s Argentina record of eight goals in a single World Cup (1930).
• Needs two more goals to match Ademir’s South American men’s record of nine goals at one World Cup, set for Brazil in 1950.
• Leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals at FIFA World Cup 2026.

Argentina Set Up Egypt Clash

Despite Cape Verde’s heroic resistance, Argentina ultimately secured a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory to continue their title defense.

Messi’s goal and leadership once again proved decisive as the reigning champions advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in their next FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match.

Key Records Achieved by Messi vs Cape Verde

• First player in World Cup history to score 20 tournament goals.
• Seven goals at FIFA World Cup 2026.
• 12 direct goal contributions in World Cup knockout matches.
• Surpassed Pelé and Kylian Mbappé in knockout contributions.
• Scored in five consecutive World Cup knockout matches.
• Third-oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout game.
• One goal away from Argentina’s single-tournament scoring record.

With every match, Messi continues to redefine football history, and his latest record-breaking performance has moved Argentina one step closer to another World Cup triumph.