Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi continues to dazzle in the ongoing World Cup tournament after yet another goal in a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde on Saturday.
The former PSG star scored in the 29th minute to give the South Americans the lead against Cape Verde, and the goal saw Messi make history.
The goal against the African nation saw him extend his all-time record for World Cup goals to 20. The 39-year-old star also stretched his own record for most goals in consecutive games at the tournament to eight.
Messi also became the first player in history to score seven or more goals in two editions of the tournament (2022 and 2026), and by netting in five straight knockout-round appearances, he equals the longest streak in competition history, joining Leonidas (Brazil, 1934-38), Gyorgy Sarosi (Hungary, 1934-38), and Vava (Brazil, 1958-62), according to Opta Stats.
His 12 goal involvements in knockout rounds (six goals, six assists) also saw him surpass Pelé and Kylian Mbappe for the most since 1966.
Additionally, Argentina have won their last 4 games in the FIFA World Cup; their last longer winning streak was from 15th June 2014 to 5th July 2014, a run of 5 games.
Meanwhile, Cabo Verde failed to win in their last four games at the World Cup, their longest winless streak in the competition (since at least 1965/1966).
How Cape Verde scared Argentina
World Cup defending champions survived what could have become an almighty scare after managing to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in a Round of 32 encounter on Saturday in Miami.
The South American giants were saved by an own goal by Diney Borges deep into extra time as the Islanders threatened to cause a major upset at the World Cup.
Messi scores
Meanwhile, it took the defending champions 29 minutes to break the deadlock when their captain found the back of the net. The Barcelona legend who made history as the first player to rack up 30 World Cup appearances scored in a sublime way to put the defending champions in the driver’s seat.
Cape Verde did not sit back even after conceding and fought back with Deroy Duarte equalizing for them in the 59th minute.
The game entered the extra time phase, and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez planted the ball early in extra time’s 92nd minute.
Cape Verde fought back again, and Sidny Cabral equalized with another well-executed goal to stun their rivals in the 103rd minute.
However, the spirited Islanders suffered a heartbreak when Cristian Romero’s flicked header from Messi’s corner hit the top-right corner via Borges in the 11th minute. The own goal gave Argentina a sigh of relief as they booked their place in the Round of 16 after a breathless encounter against a team that refused to just lie down.
Argentina will face Egypt – who squeezed past Australia after a post-match penalty shootout success – in the next phase of the tournament.
