Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into World Cup history by scoring Argentina's opening goal against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old Inter Miami captain beat Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha with a clinical near-post finish just before the half-hour mark in Miami on Saturday, July 7, 2026. The strike shattered multiple tournament records, further cementing Messi's legacy as one of football's greatest players.
Messi Becomes First to 20 World Cup Goals
Messi's goal took his overall World Cup tally to 20, making him the first player in history to reach that landmark. He had already become the tournament's all-time leading scorer and extended his advantage with this trademark finish during his sixth World Cup appearance. The Argentine captain also became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing his own previous record.
Record-Breaking Knockout Stage Contributions
Messi moved to the top of the all-time rankings for goal contributions in World Cup knockout matches. His goal against Cape Verde gave him 12 goal involvements in knockout stages, overtaking both Kylian Mbappé and Pelé, who each recorded 11. He also became the first player in 64 years to score in five consecutive World Cup knockout matches, highlighting his ability to deliver on football's biggest stage.
Golden Boot Race and Historic Seven-Goal Feat
The goal strengthened Messi's position in the race for the 2026 Golden Boot. It was his seventh goal in just four matches, moving him clear of Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts. By reaching seven goals, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score seven or more goals at two different editions of the tournament. He previously netted seven goals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he inspired Argentina to the title, and has now matched that tally four years later in the United States.
Context and Previous Reports
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ballon d'Or published a statement clarifying that winning the World Cup does not guarantee the Ballon d'Or, naming seven players who achieved both since 1956. Messi's latest exploits continue to rewrite the record books as Argentina progresses in the tournament.
