MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi extended his all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record with his 20th tournament goal as defending champions Argentina survived a major scare to beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the quarterfinals.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, taking his tally to seven goals at the 2026 World Cup and moving two clear of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the tournament’s all-time scoring list. The goal also saw the Argentine captain score in a record eight consecutive World Cup matches, dating back to the 2022 tournament.
Despite entering the Round of 32 as overwhelming favorites, Argentina were pushed to the limit by tournament debutants Cape Verde, who twice fought back to level the match before the defending champions finally prevailed in extra time.
Messi also played a decisive role in the winner, delivering the corner that led to Argentina’s decisive goal midway through the second period of extra time.
The 39-year-old later appeared at his post-match press conference with a noticeable swelling above his right eye after a collision with a Cape Verde player during the match.
“It hurts a little but I’m good,” Messi said. “We did good things, and we have to correct the bad things.”
The Inter Miami forward now has 124 international goals for Argentina, second only to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146.
Messi’s latest strike keeps him at the top of the Golden Boot race with seven goals, one ahead of Mbappé. Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane are among the other leading contenders as the knockout stage continues.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience after surviving one of the biggest scares of the tournament.
“As this team has demonstrated many times, it competes,” Messi said. “And we competed to the end.”
Scaloni added: “I hope you now realize there is no easy opponent.”
Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup debut came to an end after the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage pushed the defending champions to the brink. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced another outstanding display, but the African side was ultimately unable to complete one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Argentina will now continue their title defense in the quarterfinals, with Messi chasing both another World Cup crown and his first Golden Boot.
Source: Saudi Gazette