Messi Scores 20th World Cup Goal as Argentina Edges Cape Verde in Extra Time
Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal to help defending champions Argentina overcome debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32. Messi joked post-match that opponents demanded his jersey despite rough treatment.
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Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as defending champions Argentina survived a major scare to defeat debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32, advancing to the next stage of the 2026 tournament. The match, played in front of a packed stadium, went into extra time after a tightly contested 90 minutes ended level.
Argentina were pushed to their limits by a determined Cape Verde side, who matched them physically and tactically throughout regulation. Messi, heavily marked and subjected to repeated challenges, described the physical toll in a post-match interview. 'Cape Verde kicked the crap out of me,' he said, according to Complete Sports, adding with a smile that the opponents still wanted his jersey afterward.
Messi’s historic goal marked a personal milestone, making him the first player to reach 20 World Cup goals across multiple tournaments. The decisive moment came in extra time, sealing the victory after Cape Verde had forced the extension with resilient defending and a late equalizer. An own goal ultimately secured the win for Argentina, following Messi’s breakthrough.
The result keeps Argentina’s title defense alive, though questions remain about their ability to withstand physical opposition. Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, earned praise for their performance despite the loss. According to Business Day, Messi’s goal underscored his enduring impact on the world stage, even as the game grew increasingly physical.