Lionel Messi cracks multiple World Cup 2026 records as Argentina move on

Lionel Messi scored Argentina's decisive goal in a 3‑2 win over Cabo Verde in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, taking his tournament tally to 20 goals in 30 matches. The strike made him the all‑time leading scorer, surpassing Miroslav Klose, and gave him his seventh goal of the current edition, keeping him atop the competition’s scoring chart.

The goal also marked several firsts: Messi became the first player ever to score in six different World Cup phases, the first to net in eight consecutive tournament matches, and the oldest player to record a hat‑trick at a World Cup, achieved with a three‑goal haul against Algeria in the group stage. He now holds the record for assists in the tournament as well, having contributed directly to other goals in the knockout rounds.

These milestones reinforce Messi’s status as a historic figure in football, while Argentina remain favourites to progress further in the expanded 48‑team competition.