Lionel Messi scores knockout goal, sets multiple World Cup records

Lionel Messi opened the round‑of‑32 match for Argentina against Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a goal in the 29th minute in Miami. The strike gave Argentina a 1‑0 win and allowed Messi to become the first player to reach the knockout stage of six consecutive World Cups.

The goal also gave Messi a host of new records: his 30th World Cup appearance, his 20th tournament goal, his eighth consecutive tournament in which he has scored, and his 14th different national team opponent scored against. He also recorded his 12th goal contribution (six goals and six assists) in World Cup knockout rounds, surpassing Pelé and Kylian Mbappé.

After the match, Messi posed for photographs and signed autographs for the Cape Verde players, who waited in the locker‑room area to meet the Argentine captain.