Messi's 20Th World Cup Goal Boosts His All-time Ranking
WHO:
Sports Illustrated - Messi is 39 years old.
Sports Illustrated - Messi is now second for senior national team appearances in men's soccer, with 203 appearances.
PBS - Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrigo De Paul, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Cristiano Ronaldo
Sports Illustrated - Lionel Messi, Bader al-Mutawa, Luka Modrić
WHAT:
PBS - Messi's goal against Cape Verde was his 124th international goal.
PBS - Messi has scored seven goals in the current World Cup, one more than Kylian Mbappé.
Sports Illustrated - Messi became the first player to score seven or more goals in two World Cups.
PBS - Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal, extending his record and moving two goals ahead of Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list.
PBS - Messi has scored seven goals in the current World Cup, leading the Golden Boot race.
PBS - Messi has a record of goals in eight consecutive World Cup matches, totaling 12 goals during this streak.
Sports Illustrated - Messi's appearance against Cape Verde was his 203rd for the Argentina national team, setting a record that is 56 appearances ahead of Javier Mascherano.
Sports Illustrated - Messi is now second for senior national team appearances in men's soccer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo's 232 appearances.
WHERE:
PBS - The match took place in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Sports Illustrated - The match was part of the 2026 World Cup.
WHEN:
PBS - Messi's goal was scored in the 29th minute of the match against Cape Verde.
Sports Illustrated - Messi's record-setting appearance occurred during the 2026 World Cup.
WHY:
Sports Illustrated - Messi's record number of appearances is expected to remain unchallenged, as he is 56 appearances ahead of Javier Mascherano.
PBS - Messi's performance is crucial for Argentina's hopes of winning a second consecutive World Cup title.
Sports Illustrated - Messi's record number of appearances and goals highlights his longevity and impact in international soccer.
HOW:
PBS - Messi set up the eventual winning goal with a corner kick that bounced off some heads and into the net midway through the second half of extra time.
PBS - Messi scored by timing his run perfectly on a pass from defender Lisandro Martinez and lifted a shot over the goalkeeper's left shoulder.
PBS - Messi set up the eventual winning goal with a corner kick that led to a goal in extra time.
(UPDATED July 5, 2026 07:56 UTC)
Lionel Messi, now 39 years old, has made history by becoming the first player to score seven or more goals in two World Cups, with his latest tally reaching seven, surpassing Kylian Mbappé. In addition, Messi's recent goal against Cape Verde marked his 124th international goal and brought his total senior national team appearances to 203, placing him second all-time. He also played a crucial role in the match by setting up the winning goal with a corner kick that led to a dramatic finish midway through the second half of extra time.
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(UPDATED July 5, 2026 04:17 UTC)
Lionel Messi made history by scoring his 20th World Cup goal during a match against Cape Verde, extending his record and moving two goals ahead of Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list. This match, part of the 2026 World Cup held in Miami Gardens, Florida, marked Messi's 203rd appearance for the Argentina national team, setting a new record that is 56 appearances ahead of Javier Mascherano. With seven goals in the current World Cup, Messi is leading the Golden Boot race and has now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, totaling 12 goals during this impressive streak.