Messi scores as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 to reach World Cup last eight

MIAMI — Lionel Messi scored as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals. Messi struck in the 29th minute, finishing a pass from Lisandro Martínez with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area to put Argentina ahead. According to Opta, Argentina became the first team in World Cup history to finish the first half ahead in five consecutive knockout-stage matches. The goal was Messi's seventh of the tournament, moving him one ahead of France's Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring chart. The 39-year-old forward reached 20 career World Cup goals, surpassing the all-time tournament record. In knockout matches alone, Messi has now contributed 12 goals and assists, a tally not matched at the World Cup since 1966, ahead of Pelé and Mbappé in that category, according to Opta. Messi, who scored twice against France in the 2022 final in Qatar, has netted three times against Algeria, twice against Austria and once against Jordan in the North American phase of the 2026 tournament. He also became the first player to score in every round of the competition, from the three group-stage matches through the round of 32 and the round of 16.