Lionel Messi — improbably, still as good as ever
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Lionel Messi stated the team has "many" things to improve despite the win. The match was described as a near historic upset.
What changed
Argentina has progressed past the round of 32 after a close match against Cape Verde.
Live updates
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Argentina advances past Cape Verde in narrow World Cup victory
confidence 95%Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Lionel Messi stated the team has "many" things to improve despite the win. The match was described as a near historic upset.
What's confirmed:
- Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
- Lionel Messi said Argentina have "many" things to improve.
- Argentina nearly suffered a historic World Cup upset against Cape Verde.
Still unconfirmed:
- Messi is still defining football at age 39.
- Argentina may need Messi for a seventh career World Cup.
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Messi Sets World Cup Record as Argentina Enter Knockouts
confidence 100%Lionel Messi has become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games. He scored his sixth goal of the tournament in Arlington, helping Argentina finish the group stage with a perfect record. Argentina will now face Cabo Verde in the round of 32 in Miami.
What's confirmed:
- Lionel Messi is the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.
- Messi has scored six goals during the 2026 tournament.
- Argentina finished the group stage with a perfect record.
- Argentina will play Cabo Verde in the round of 32 in Miami.
- Messi scored in a 3-1 win against Jordan.
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Lionel Messi Becomes World Cup's All-Time Top Scorer
confidence 95%Lionel Messi has reached 18 World Cup goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose for the most goals in tournament history. The 38-year-old has scored all five of Argentina's goals across their first two matches. He is currently in form following training sessions with Inter Miami in the United States.
What's confirmed:
- Lionel Messi has scored 18 World Cup goals.
- Messi has surpassed Miroslav Klose as the top scorer in World Cup history.
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0.
- Messi has scored all five goals for Argentina in their first two games.
- Lionel Messi is 38 years old.
Still unconfirmed:
- Messi delivered "jaw-dropping" displays in training for Inter Miami on U.S. soil.
- Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener.