Lionel Messi sets World Cup record with 20 goals in Argentina win

Lionel Messi sets World Cup record with 20 goals in Argentina win

Lionel Messi has become the first player in men's World Cup history to score 20 goals. The Inter Miami star reached the milestone on Friday, July 3, 2026, leading defending champion Argentina to victory over Cape Verde at Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The record-breaking goal came after a pass from Lisandro Martinez. Messi plucked the ball from the air with a first touch and fired a strike over goalkeeper Vozinha to give Argentina a 1-0 lead before the break. The goal was described as a well-controlled touch dispatched expertly, following a darting run in behind.

Messi entered the knockout stage match having scored six goals in Argentina's first three games of the tournament. With his latest effort, he has now scored in eight straight World Cup goals and five consecutive knockout games. The 39-year-old previously became the all-time leader in World Cup goals with 19, surpassing the 17 goals scored by Marta.

The match began in oppressive heat, with a temperature of 90 degrees and a feels-like temperature of 105 in Miami Gardens. Despite the conditions, Cape Verde, the smallest country to ever reach the knockout stage, started the game with confidence. In the first 10 minutes, the "Blue Sharks" arguably created better chances than the world champions. Vozinha, Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper, further asserted himself early by using a fake clearance to deceive Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina struggled for rhythm in the opening period. Their only real chances came from a dragged effort and a free kick from Messi that lacked enough power to beat Vozinha. Cape Verde held 39% of the ball and threatened on the counter-attack, while a foul by Rodrigo De Paul allowed the African nation to pin the World Cup holders in their own half for a sustained period.

Following Messi's goal, Argentina seized full control through crisp passing and solid defending. While Cape Verde remained defensively strong for much of the match, they struggled to find an offensive threat in the second half to equalize.

Cape Verde's journey to the Round of 32 was a historic debut. The nation of islands, with a population of about 525,000, advanced despite not winning a single group-stage match. They recorded a 0-0 draw against Spain, a 2-2 tie with Uruguay in Miami, and a scoreless draw against Saudi Arabia. Vozinha had been a central figure in that run, making 10 saves in the tournament. His mother, who could not afford a visa for Spain, was issued one to attend the Miami match in person.

The Argentina squad featured 17 players from the 2022 championship team in Qatar. The team had entered the match on a nine-game World Cup winning streak, having outscored group-stage opponents 8-1.

The match was marked by off-field controversy surrounding Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes. According to Brazil’s Globo, Mendes is under investigation for rape in New Zealand, accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked as a translator for the team during a visit to that country. Mendes started the match but did not score or provide an assist.

With this victory, Argentina advances to the Round of 16. They are scheduled to face Egypt, who defeated Australia in a penalty shootout in Dallas, on July 7 in Atlanta.

Hard Rock Stadium will host two more World Cup matches, concluding with the third-place game on July 18.