Lionel Messi took sole possession of the Golden Boot lead after Argentina's Friday night thriller against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi scored again, making Friday's contest against Cape Verde the record-extending eighth consecutive World Cup match in which Argentina's captain delivered at least one goal.
Lionel Messi’s virtuoso display only reaffirmed the perception that the reigning champions are still overly reliant on one man.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Highlights, FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Updates: Argentina, the reigning world champions have advanced after a breathtaking, five-goal extra-time epic in Miami, that saw them edge out a heroic Cape Verde side 3-2 to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
This achievement was last completed by Vava of Brazil in 1962. Leonidas and Gyorgy Sarosi are the other two on the list.
Lionel Messi created some new World Cup history by scoring Argentina’s opener against Cape Verde. The footballing icon beat goalkeeper Vozinha at the near post just before the half-hour mark
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