Lionel Messi continues to affirm his legendary status in world football as he consecutively establishes historic milestones at the 2026 World Cup.
In the match against Cape Verde in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup on the July 3, the Argentina captain scored the opening goal after a delicate piece of play. This strike helps Messi become the first player to reach the milestone of 20 goals in World Cup history.
Besides his goal-scoring ability, the Argentina captain also continues to prove his comprehensive influence in knockout matches. According to statistics, Messi has contributed to 12 goals in the World Cup knockout rounds, including 6 goals and 6 assists. This achievement helps him surpass Pele and Kylian Mbappe, who both possess 11 direct goal involvements in the knockout stages since 1966.
Notably, Messi also became the first player in history to score in 8 consecutive World Cup matches. His impressive streak began from the round of 16 against Australia at the 2022 World Cup. After that, M10 continued to find the net against the Netherlands, Croatia, and scored a brace in the final against France.
At the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine superstar maintains an explosive form with a hat-trick against Algeria, a brace against Austria, along with goals against Jordan and Cape Verde. At 39 years old, Messi still ceaselessly shatters old records, continuing to write a new chapter in World Cup history and consolidating his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
On July 3, Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 to win the right to enter the round of 16. The two teams drew 1-1 in 90 minutes, thereby having to play two periods of extra time – where the South American representative showed their class to secure the victory.
