Just when it seems there are no records left for Lionel Messi to break, the Argentine captain finds another way to redefine football history.
Lionel Messi became the first player to score seven or more goals in two FIFA World Cup editions and the first to play 30 World Cup matches
On a night when Argentina needed their talisman to lead from the front, the 39-year-old once again answered the call, scoring the opening goal as the defending champions battled past Cape Verde national football team in a thrilling 3-2 victory to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But beyond the result, it was another chapter in Messi’s extraordinary legacy that stole the spotlight.
Messi Reaches Historic World Cup Milestone
The Inter Miami star’s strike did more than put Argentina ahead.
It saw him become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score at least seven goals in two different editions of the tournament.
Messi first reached that mark during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, and with his latest goal in 2026, he has achieved a feat no other footballer has managed on the sport’s biggest stage.
Another Record Falls
The night delivered yet another landmark for the Argentine legend.
By taking to the pitch against Cape Verde, Messi became the first player ever to feature in 30 FIFA World Cup matches, extending a record that reflects both his remarkable longevity and his consistency at the highest level.
Nearly two decades after making his World Cup debut, the former Barcelona captain continues to dictate games and deliver when his country needs him most.
Still Delivering On Football’s Biggest Stage
Far from slowing down, Messi has remained Argentina’s driving force throughout the tournament.
His latest goal means he has now scored 12 goals across his last eight World Cup appearances, a remarkable run that has seen him find the net against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, France, Algeria, Austria, Jordan and now Cape Verde.
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For a player approaching his 40th birthday, the numbers continue to defy expectation.
Argentina Eye Another World Cup Dream
With the hard-fought victory secured, Argentina’s attention now shifts to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt national football team.
The defending champions remain firmly in the hunt for back-to-back World Cup titles, and if recent performances are any indication, Messi is showing no signs of allowing his remarkable international story to end just yet.