Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal in Argentina win over Cape Verde

Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal in Argentina win over Cape Verde

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

Messi's historic 20th goal came following a long through ball from Lisandro Martinez. Messi controlled the pass and fired a left-footed strike over the Cape Verde goalkeeper, Vozinha, into the top right corner. The goal gave Argentina a 1-0 lead and extended Messi's personal scoring streak to eight straight World Cup goals and five consecutive knockout games.

The match served as a series of milestones for Argentina. Messi became the first player to ever make 30 appearances at the tournament. Additionally, the match marked the 100th game for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni since he took charge of the national team in 2018. Scaloni enters the milestone with a record of 72 wins, 18 draws, and 9 losses.

Despite the result, Cape Verde entered the round-of-32 match as the tournament's underdog. The African nation is the smallest country to ever advance to the knockout stage, with a population of about 525,000. The "Blue Sharks" reached the round of 32 without losing a single group-stage match, including a 0-0 draw against Spain. Their success was anchored by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who recorded 10 saves during the tournament.

The game began in oppressive heat, with a recorded temperature of 90 degrees and a feels-like temperature of 105 in Miami Gardens. The conditions did not stop Cape Verde from a confident start. In the first 10 minutes, the African side created several chances and momentarily unsettled the defending champions, including a fake clearance by Vozinha that fooled Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina eventually asserted dominance, controlling 71% of the possession by the first hydration break. While Messi attempted a free kick from 25 yards that was comfortably saved by Vozinha and another effort that rolled wide, Argentina's crisp passing and defensive solidity eventually stifled the Cape Verde counter-attack.

Cape Verde's lineup featured captain Ryan Mendes, who started the match despite being under investigation for rape in New Zealand. According to Brazil's Globo, Mendes is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked as a translator for the team. Other notable starters for Cape Verde included Sidny Lopes Cabral, who returned from a one-match suspension, and the Duarte brothers.

Argentina's starting eleven consisted of Emiliano Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Thiago Almada. The squad features 17 players who were part of the 2022 championship team in Qatar.

With this victory, Argentina advances to the Round of 16. They will face Egypt, who earned their spot after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout on July 3, 2026, following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas.

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