Argentina nearly dodged a bullet in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, as they secured a 3-2 win against Cape Verde at the extra time in the Round of 32 clash on Saturday, July 4 at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens. However, Lionel Messi managed to break another major milestone in the game with his seventh goal of the tournament.
Lionel Messi beats Pele's World Cup record
The Inter Miami star broke the deadlock in the 29th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. The opening goal against Cape Verde turned out to be his 12 goal contribution in FIFA World Cup knockout games, surpassing Pele's long-standing record of 11. Now, Messi has now six goals and recorded six assists in the Knockout encounters in the World Cups.
ALSO READ: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, World Cup Hero against Argentina, available as Free Agent
Till date, Pele remains as one of the most prolific players for Brazil when it comes to the FIFA World Cup knockout games, having contributed to 11 goals with the help of eight strikes and three assists.
France's current superstar Kylian Mbappe has also recorded 11 goal contributions in the FIFA World Cup knockout games. The 2022 World Cup final hat-trick hero has scored nine goals and recorded two assists during the knockout games.
Players with most goal contributions in FIFA World Cups:
| Player | Country | Editions | Total Goal Contributions | Goals | Assists |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 | 28 | 20 | 8 |
| Pele | Brazil | 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 | 20 | 12 | 8 |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 2018, 2022, 2026 | 20 | 18 | 2 |
Lionel Messi's red-hot form in FIFA World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi is showcasing his elegance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, as he has managed to score in every game for Argentina so far in the tournament. The 39-year-old forward has managed to score seven goals in just four games at the tournament so far. It should be noted that currently Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, which is not a very competitive league as compared to the ones in Europe.
This shows that Messi has managed to maintain his fitness levels brilliantly despite playing in MLS since the end of the previous edition of the World Cup.
What's next for Argentina World Cup?
After securing a close 3-2 win over Cape Verde, Argentina will lock horns with Egypt in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, July 9 at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta. The game is being advertised as the clash between Messi and Mohamed Salah.