Lionel Messi has become the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score seven goals in two different editions of the tournament.
Messi reached the milestone during Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Florida on Friday.
The Argentina captain opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martinez played a long ball from the back into the path of the Inter Miami forward, who had a slight advantage over the defender.
Lionel Messi controlled the ball with his first touch before lifting it over Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha with his second touch. The ball went into the roof of the net to give Argentina the lead.
It was Messi’s seventh goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He also scored seven goals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi returned to Argentina’s starting lineup for the match against Cape Verde after beginning on the bench in Argentina’s previous group-stage match against Jordan.
The forward also became the first player to appear in 30 FIFA World Cup matches after starting against Cape Verde.
Lionel Messi has set several records during the 2026 World Cup. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive matches at the tournament, reaching the milestone during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan in their final Group J match.
He also scored his first World Cup hat-trick during the tournament. In addition, Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history this year, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 goals.
Messi has now taken his career FIFA World Cup tally to 20 goals.
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