Argentina captain Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career by breaking Diego Maradona’s FIFA World Cup assist record during Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
The win secured Argentina’s place in the Round of 16, while Messi delivered yet another record-breaking performance with a goal and the assist that produced Cristian Romero’s match-winning header.
The historic milestone came when Messi’s corner kick found Cristian Romero, whose powerful header sealed Argentina’s dramatic victory in extra time.
The achievement further strengthens Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in FIFA World Cup history.
Another Historic Milestone for Messi
The Argentine superstar also became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score seven goals in two separate editions of the tournament.
After scoring seven goals during Argentina’s successful 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, Messi has now matched that tally at the 2026 tournament.
His first-half strike against Cape Verde also took his overall FIFA World Cup goal tally to 20 goals and extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive World Cup matches, another tournament record.
Messi Moves Ahead in the Golden Boot Race
Messi entered the knockout match with six goals, level with France captain Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot standings.
His goal against Cape Verde lifted him to seven goals, moving him to the top of the scoring charts and strengthening his bid for another individual World Cup honour.
Cape Verde Push Argentina to the Limit
Despite Argentina’s status as defending champions, Cape Verde produced one of the biggest performances of the tournament.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a superb finish after controlling Lisandro Martínez’s precise pass.
Cape Verde responded strongly after the break as Deroy Duarte scored the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal to make it 1-1.
Goalkeeper Vozinha then frustrated Argentina with a series of excellent saves before the match entered extra time.
