Lionel Messi scored his 20th career World Cup goal in Argentina's latest match, extending his scoring streak to eight consecutive games and moving into the lead for the Golden Boot award at the 2026 tournament. The milestone came during Argentina's round-of-16 victory, according to The Associated Press.
Messi's Record-Breaking Streak
Messi has now scored in eight straight World Cup appearances, a run that began in the 2018 tournament. His 20 goals place him among the all-time leading scorers in World Cup history, trailing only Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo (15), and Gerd Müller (14) in terms of total goals, though Messi's tally includes goals across multiple tournaments. The 39-year-old forward has been instrumental in Argentina's campaign, which aims to defend their 2022 title.
Golden Boot Race
With his latest goal, Messi took the lead in the Golden Boot standings, ahead of other top scorers including France's Kylian Mbappé and England's Harry Kane. The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament's leading goal scorer, and Messi's consistent performance has put him in prime position to claim the honor for the first time in his career.
Team Performance
Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over their opponents, with Messi contributing a goal and an assist. The team has shown strong form throughout the tournament, winning all four of their matches so far. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's leadership and impact on the squad. "He continues to amaze us with his dedication and skill," Scaloni said. "His goals are crucial, but his presence on the field lifts everyone."
Historical Context
Messi's 20 World Cup goals place him third on the all-time list, behind only Klose (16) and Ronaldo (15), though official FIFA records count goals from all tournaments. His streak of eight consecutive matches with a goal is a World Cup record, surpassing previous marks held by players like Just Fontaine and Jairzinho. Messi's longevity at the highest level is unprecedented, as he continues to perform at age 39.
What's Next
Argentina will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, a rematch of the 2022 quarterfinal that Argentina won on penalties. Messi will look to extend his scoring streak and lead his team to the semifinals. The match is scheduled for July 7 at Lusail Stadium.
