Lionel Messi Reaches 20 World Cup Goals, Extends Scoring Records

Lionel Messi continues to etch his name in World Cup history, scoring his 20th career goal in the tournament during Argentina's Round of 16 match against Cape Verde. This latest strike not only solidifies his status as the competition's all-time leading scorer but also extends his record for the most consecutive World Cup games with at least one goal.

The Inter Miami star opened the scoring in the 27th minute, receiving a pass from Lisandro Martínez. Messi controlled the ball with a single touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to give Argentina the lead. This goal marked a significant milestone, pushing him past previous records and further cementing his legacy.

Messi's journey to 20 World Cup goals has been a gradual ascent. He began the 2026 tournament having already surpassed Miroslav Klose's long-standing record. His performance against Cape Verde, where he scored his 20th goal, came after a series of group stage matches where he also found the back of the net, including a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria.

While Messi extends his own records, he faces competition from Kylian Mbappé, who is also having a strong tournament. Mbappé has also surpassed Klose and is closing in on Messi's overall tally. Messi's new record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing Just Fontaine's previous mark of six, highlights his consistent impact on the global stage.