Overview
- Messi scored the opener in Argentina’s Round of 32 3–2 extra-time win over Cabo Verde, a match played in Miami Gardens that sent Argentina into the pre-quarterfinals.
- With that goal, multiple outlets report Messi has reached 20 career World Cup goals, overtaking Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s leading scorer.
- Messi has seven goals in the 2026 tournament and is reported to be the first player to score seven or more goals in two consecutive World Cups, following his seven in 2022.
- Media coverage credits Messi with an eight-match consecutive World Cup scoring run and says he leads players in knockout-stage goal-plus-assist contributions, though outlets note official FIFA tallies should be checked.
- Reporters noted Messi’s visible emotion after scoring and his thanks to teammates, while rivals such as Kylian Mbappé remain close in the Golden Boot chase with France placed on the opposite side of the bracket.