Who else?
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in Argentina’s World Cup knockout match against Cape Verde on Friday by taking down a gorgeous pass from Lisandro Martinez with an exquisite first touch before poking the ball over Vozinha.
Messi is the first player to score 20 career World Cup goals, extending his own record. He also took the outright lead in the Golden Boot race at this summer’s tournament with seven tallies, one clear of Kylian Mbappe.
For viewers in U.S. only:
MESSI GOOOAAL TO GIVE ARGENTINA THE LEAD 🐐
Lionel Messi scores his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal to make it 1-0 over Cape Verde! pic.twitter.com/ewqsqO5Sl9
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026
For viewers in Canada only:
MESSI OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A TOUCH, WHAT A FINISH!! 😮
It’s #FIFAWorldCup goal number 20 and his 7th of the tournament to give Argentina a 1-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/QnSZz69NvX
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 3, 2026
Messi, who turned 39 this summer, has now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
(Yes, that’s also a World Cup record).
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Source: Sports Soccer – The Score MLS
