Lionel Messi added two more FIFA World Cup records to his illustrious career on Friday, becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches and the first to net seven goals in two separate editions of the tournament. The milestone came during Argentina's Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde in Miami.
Messi opens scoring and extends record run
The Argentina captain opened the scoring in the 29th minute, giving the defending champions a 1-0 lead. That strike extended his extraordinary run of scoring in eight successive World Cup appearances, a feat never before achieved in the tournament's history.
With that goal, Messi also became the first footballer to score seven goals in two separate FIFA World Cup editions, according to Opta Paolo. He netted seven times during Argentina's triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar and has now matched that tally at the ongoing 2026 tournament, where he is once again a leading contender for the Golden Boot.
Overall World Cup tally reaches 20
The goal took Messi's overall World Cup tally to 20 goals, further cementing his status among the greatest players in the tournament's history. He entered the knockout fixture with six goals, level with France captain Kylian Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts. His latest strike moved him ahead in the race for the Golden Boot.
Cabo Verde fights back
Despite Argentina's bright start, Cabo Verde responded strongly after the break. Deroy Duarte equalised in the 59th minute to bring the African side back into the contest and silence the Argentine celebrations. Messi continued to orchestrate Argentina's attacks in search of a winner, but veteran Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a series of crucial saves to frustrate the South American giants. His resilient performance ensured the debutants remained level after 90 minutes, forcing the Round of 32 encounter into extra time.
Another landmark before kick-off
The fixture had already marked another landmark in Messi's remarkable international career before kick-off, as he became the first player ever to make 30 FIFA World Cup appearances. He now holds the records for the most appearances in the FIFA World Cup (30) and most goals in the FIFA World Cup (20).
Argentina's title defense continues
Argentina, the reigning world champions, are aiming to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. The winners of the ongoing contest will advance to the Round of 16, where Egypt await after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout to register their first-ever World Cup knockout victory. At the time of writing, the match remained locked at 1-1 in extra time, with Messi once again at the centre of World Cup history.
