Messi makes history as Argentina beats Cape Verde 3-2 in World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi made history as Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 on July 4, 2026. Messi scored the opening goal, becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score seven or more goals in two different tournaments (2022 and 2026). The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward also reached 30 World Cup matches played, setting a record as the first footballer to achieve this milestone.
Messi has now scored 12 goals in his last eight World Cup matches, having scored against Australia, Netherlands, Croatia, France, Algeria, Austria, Jordan, and Cape Verde. Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, aiming to advance further in the tournament.
This historic achievement underscores Messi's legacy as one of football's greatest players, especially as several African teams, including Cape Verde, have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. With Argentina's next match against Egypt approaching, fans can anticipate whether Messi can maintain his record-breaking form.
Will Messi's record-breaking performance propel Argentina to victory in the 2026 World Cup, or will Egypt prove to be a formidable obstacle in the Round of 16?