Lionel Messi Reaches 20 World Cup Goals, Sets New FIFA Record As Argentina Scrape Through

Lionel Messi added yet another chapter to his extraordinary FIFA World Cup legacy, becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches and the first to net seven goals in two separate editions as Argentina faced Cabo Verde in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter in Miami.

Messi breaks more World Cup records

Messi continued his remarkable run on football's biggest stage by opening the scoring in the 29th minute, handing defending champions Argentina a 1-0 lead against Cabo Verde in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Friday.

The goal extended his streak to eight successive World Cup appearances with a goal, making him the first player in tournament history to achieve the feat. The strike also took his overall World Cup tally to 20 goals, strengthening his standing among the competition's greatest-ever players.

According to Opta Paolo, Messi also became the first footballer to score seven goals in two separate FIFA World Cup editions. After netting seven times during Argentina's triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar, the 39-year-old has now matched that tally at the ongoing 2026 tournament, where he is once again among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Having entered the knockout match level with Kylian Mbappé on six goals, Messi moved ahead in the race for the tournament's top scorer while adding another landmark to his glittering international career.

Cabo Verde fight back to force extra time

Argentina's bright start was undone after the interval when Deroy Duarte found the equaliser in the 59th minute, breathing new life into the contest.

Messi continued to lead Argentina's attack in search of a decisive goal, but veteran Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a string of crucial saves to frustrate the reigning world champions.

The resilient display from the World Cup debutants ensured the contest remained level after regulation time, sending the Round of 32 clash into extra time.

Another milestone before kick-off

Even before the match began, Messi had already set another World Cup benchmark by becoming the first player to make 30 FIFA World Cup appearances.

The Argentina captain now holds the records for the most FIFA World Cup appearances (30) and the most FIFA World Cup goals (20).

Argentina, champions in 2022, are bidding to successfully defend their title. The winner of the contest will face Egypt national football team in the Round of 16 after Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout.

At the time of writing, the match remained locked at 1-1 in extra time, with Messi once again at the heart of World Cup history.

(With inputs from ANI)