Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal and extended his scoring streak to eight games as Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in their Round of 32 match on July 3, 2026. The victory sends Argentina to the Round of 16.
Match Details
The match was a thriller, with Cape Verde pushing Argentina to the limit. After a 2-2 draw in regulation, Argentina scored the decisive goal in extra time to secure the win. Messi's goal gave him the Golden Boot lead with five goals in the tournament so far.
According to The Associated Press, the win was hard-fought, with Cape Verde showing resilience throughout the match.
Impact
Argentina now advances to the Round of 16, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Messi's continued form is a major boost for the team, as they aim to win their third World Cup title.
