Argentina captain Lionel Messi continued his record-breaking run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by surpassing late compatriot Diego Maradona for the most assists by an Argentine in tournament history. Messi reached nine World Cup assists during Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cabo Verde, moving past Maradona’s previous mark of eight. The 39-year-old also became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches as the defending champions survived a major scare to advance.

Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute after expertly controlling a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez and firing the ball into the roof of the net. The goal took his overall World Cup tally to 20 and extended his extraordinary scoring streak across eight successive matches in the competition. He also became the first footballer to score seven goals in two separate World Cup editions, having previously netted seven times during Argentina’s title-winning campaign in Qatar in 2022.

The latest strike took Messi to seven goals at the ongoing tournament and strengthened his position in the race for the Golden Boot. He had entered the knockout match with six goals, level with France captain Kylian Mbappe, before moving ahead with his latest effort. Despite Argentina taking control after the opening goal, Cabo Verde remained competitive and continued to challenge the reigning world champions in their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages.

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Cabo Verde equalised shortly before the hour mark when Ryan Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who scored from a tight angle to register his country’s first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. Argentina created several opportunities to regain the lead, but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced a series of important saves, including efforts from Messi. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the contest moved into extra time.

Argentina restored their advantage shortly after extra time began when Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner. Cabo Verde responded again as Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning curling strike from a difficult angle to make it 2-2. The decisive goal arrived in the second half of extra time when Messi delivered a corner that Cristian Romero met with a powerful header, which took a slight deflection before finding the net.

Cabo Verde nearly forced a penalty shootout in the closing stages, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick to protect the lead. The 3-2 victory sent Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cabo Verde exited after an impressive debut campaign. For Messi, the match added several more milestones to a World Cup career already filled with historic achievements.

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