Lionel Messi added another historic milestone to his legendary career as Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash. The Argentina captain became the outright leader in World Cup assists, surpassing the record previously held by Diego Maradona.
Messi’s record-breaking performance also included another goal, extending a remarkable run of scoring consistency and helping the defending champions book a place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.
How did Messi break the World Cup assist record?
Messi entered the match level with Argentine legend Diego Maradona on eight World Cup assists.
During extra time, he delivered a dangerous corner that found Cristian Romero, whose header eventually crossed the goal line after a slight deflection off Cabo Verde defender Diney Borges.
The goal was officially credited as Messi’s ninth World Cup assist, making him the player with the most assists in the tournament’s history.
The achievement adds another record to a career that already includes a FIFA World Cup title, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and numerous scoring records for Argentina.
What other records did Messi set?
The match produced several milestones for the Argentine captain.
Most World Cup assists
Messi now stands alone atop the all-time World Cup assists list with nine assists, moving ahead of Diego Maradona’s previous record of eight.
Eight consecutive World Cup matches with a goal
Messi also became the first player in World Cup history to score in eight consecutive matches.
The streak stretches across Argentina’s triumphant 2022 campaign and the ongoing 2026 tournament, highlighting his remarkable consistency on football’s biggest stage.
Twenty World Cup goals
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, bringing his World Cup tally to 20 goals.
The strike further strengthened his place among the competition’s greatest goalscorers and added to an already extraordinary World Cup résumé.
Seven goals in two different World Cups
The goal also made Messi the first player to score seven goals in two separate FIFA World Cup editions.
After netting seven times during Argentina’s title-winning campaign in Qatar in 2022, he has now matched that total in the 2026 tournament.
How did Argentina beat Cabo Verde?
Although Argentina entered the match as heavy favorites, Cabo Verde produced one of the most spirited performances of the knockout stage.
Messi gives Argentina the lead
Argentina gradually settled into the contest after Cabo Verde created several early opportunities.
In the 29th minute, Lisandro Martínez played a long pass that Messi controlled brilliantly before firing into the top corner to give Argentina a 1-0 advantage.
Cabo Verde makes history
The underdogs refused to back down.
Ryan Mendes created the equalizer for Deroy Duarte, whose finish became Cabo Verde’s first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
The historic strike energized the debutants and forced Argentina into a much tighter contest than many expected.
Extra time drama
Argentina regained the lead early in extra time when Lisandro Martínez scored from close range following a corner.
Cabo Verde responded once again through Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose excellent finish leveled the match at 2-2.
The decisive moment arrived later in extra time when Messi’s corner created the winning goal, with Romero’s header crossing the line after a deflection.
In the closing minutes, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez preserved the victory by producing a crucial save to deny Lopes Cabral’s dangerous free kick.
What does this mean for the Golden Boot race?
Messi’s latest goal also boosted his chances of finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.
Before kickoff, he and France star Kylian Mbappé were tied at the top of the scoring charts with six goals each.
Messi’s strike against Cabo Verde moved him into sole possession of first place, reinforcing his status as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Golden Boot.
Consider adding a live Golden Boot standings graphic comparing Messi with the tournament’s leading scorers.
How impressive was Cabo Verde’s World Cup campaign?
Although their tournament ended in defeat, Cabo Verde earned widespread admiration for its performances.
Competing in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, the African nation:
- Scored its first-ever knockout-stage World Cup goal.
- Forced defending champions Argentina into extra time.
- Came within minutes of taking the match to penalties.
- Demonstrated resilience against one of international football’s strongest teams.
The performance is likely to be remembered as one of the country’s finest moments on the global stage.
What’s next for Argentina?
With the victory, Argentina advances to the Round of 16, where it will face Egypt.
Messi enters the next phase of the tournament in exceptional form, leading both the Golden Boot race and now holding the all-time World Cup assist record.
For Argentina, the challenge now shifts from surviving a difficult knockout match to maintaining momentum as it pursues back-to-back World Cup titles.
The bigger picture
Lionel Messi’s latest record is another reminder of his enduring influence on international football.
Breaking Diego Maradona’s World Cup assist record while extending his remarkable scoring streak highlights a player who continues to redefine longevity and excellence, even at 39 years old.
As Argentina progresses deeper into FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi’s performances are increasingly shaping not only the defending champions’ title defense but also the tournament’s history books.
TL;DR
- Lionel Messi recorded his ninth FIFA World Cup assist, surpassing Diego Maradona’s record of eight.
- Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32.
- Messi also scored his 20th World Cup goal.
- The 39-year-old became the first player to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
- Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16.