Lionel Messi continued to rewrite football history after scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal to help **Argentina national football team> secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over **Cape Verde national football team> and book a place in the Round of 16.
The Argentine captain opened the scoring in Miami with a composed finish after latching onto a precise pass from Lisandro Martínez, taking his tally to seven goals at the 2026 tournament and strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.
The latest strike further cemented Messi’s place in football history, making him the first player—male or female—to score 20 goals across FIFA World Cup finals. He also became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup appearances and the first to register seven or more goals in two separate World Cups, having achieved the feat previously in 2022.
Although Cape Verde produced an impressive display and pushed the defending champions throughout the contest, Messi once again delivered at a crucial moment to inspire Argentina’s progression.
Former Scotland international James McFadden described the goal as a product of exceptional movement and technique, praising the timing of Messi’s run and his composed first touch and finish.
Former striker Ally McCoist also hailed the performance, describing Messi as “genius at work” as the Argentine continued to break long-standing World Cup records.
Beyond his goals, Messi has also impressed with his overall work rate during the tournament. While renowned for conserving energy and reading the game better than almost anyone else, the 39-year-old has shown a greater willingness to lead Argentina’s pressing game and contribute defensively when out of possession.
The match was played in front of a passionate crowd in Miami, where thousands of Argentina supporters transformed the stadium into a sea of sky blue and white. Fans carrying banners and wearing Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey celebrated another memorable performance from the player many regard as the greatest footballer of all time.
Messi’s popularity extends well beyond Argentina, particularly in Miami, where he has become a sporting icon since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023. His influence can be seen across the city through murals, memorabilia, restaurants and the unwavering support of football fans eager to witness the latest chapter in his remarkable career.
With Argentina safely into the knockout stages and Messi in prolific form, expectations continue to grow that the reigning world champions could mount another successful run at the FIFA World Cup while their captain adds even more records to his extraordinary legacy.
