FLORIDA: Argentina star striker Lionel Messi on Saturday added another feather to his cap by becoming the first player to score seven goals in two different FIFA World Cup editions.
Defending champions Argentina sealed a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde after being pushed to the brink by the tournament debutants.
Messi, 39, hit the landmark in the 29th minute, finishing an excellent assist from Lisandro Martínez to net his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup and his record-extending 20th goal in the tournament’s history.
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Previously, Messi scored seven goals in the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar. In addition, this was Messi’s 30th World Cup appearance, extending his record run.
Lionel Messi has shattered multiple records at the tournament. The Argentina captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, reaching the milestone during his side’s 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J fixture.
The 39-year-old also netted his first World Cup hat-trick and surpassed Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals to become the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. He has since extended his tally to 20 World Cup goals.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the last 16 on 7 July, while Cape Verde will go back home after a memorable World Cup debut.
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