Lionel Messi Sets Multiple World Cup Records in Argentina's Win Over Cape Verde

Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi continued to make history during the match, setting several new records and milestones. He became the first player to score 20 goals across World Cup tournaments, extending his all-time record, with Kylian Mbappé trailing at 18. Messi also achieved 12 goal involvements (6 goals and 6 assists) in World Cup knockout stages, surpassing Pelé and Mbappé.

Messi made history as the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches and the first to net seven or more goals in two separate tournaments (2022 and 2026). He scored in five consecutive knockout games, joining only two others to do so, and was directly involved in 10 goals across his last six knockout matches. Since turning 35, Messi has scored 14 World Cup goals, far ahead of the next oldest scorer, Roger Milla, who has five.

He has now scored against 14 of the 22 teams he has faced in World Cups. Messi is one goal shy of tying Guillermo Stábile’s record for most goals by an Argentine in a single tournament and two goals short of Ademir’s South American record. The match marked Messi’s 30th World Cup appearance, the most in history, with Cristiano Ronaldo second at 26. He will extend this record to 31 in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Egypt, where he can also equal Miroslav Klose’s record of 14 knockout appearances.

Off the field, Messi shared a warm moment with the Cape Verde team, who waited eagerly to take photos with him despite their elimination. A viral moment followed when Messi kissed Argentine journalist Sofía Martínez during an interview, jokingly explaining his actions before she quickly redirected the conversation back to work.