He scored again.
Lionel Messi added another World Cup goal to his collection as Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic, extraordinary last-32 match in Miami. His opener was his 20th World Cup finals goal — extending the record he broke during the group phase — and his seventh of this tournament.
“Messi scores his 20th World Cup goal and seventh of the tournament as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in Miami.”
The atmosphere around the stadium had been building long before kick-off. Supporters lined the streets draped in sky blue and white, beating drums, singing songs and posing beneath giant Argentina flags. Inside, blue and white shirts dominated the stands, with his number 10 visible almost everywhere. Flags draped over the railings, while one striking banner portrayed Messi alongside Diego Maradona as saint-like figures, reflecting the status so many supporters afford their greatest footballing icons.
“He’s our hero,” one Argentina fan said before kick-off. “He’s like our God.”
“He has aged like fine wine,” another said. “The older he gets, the better he gets.”
By Messi’s extraordinary standards, this was not his most influential performance. Cape Verde frustrated Argentina for long periods and played with a confidence that betrayed the gulf in world rankings — Argentina second, Cape Verde outside the top 60. Yet, as he has done so many times before, Messi still made his mark.
The goal itself was a reminder that even when he appears subdued, he needs only one moment. Timing his run perfectly onto Lisandro Martinez’s pass, Messi took the ball in his stride with his first touch and then lifted it over Cape Verde’s keeper.
Commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scotland forward James McFadden described the finish as “just incredible”.
“The run he makes is beyond the backline and the timing is excellent,” McFadden said. “The weight of the pass into him…”
Messi’s tally of seven goals would have made him the top scorer in five of the past six World Cups. Since 1978, there have been 13 World Cups and his tally would have been enough to be top scorer in all but two.
When asked whether Messi could win the Golden Boot at this World Cup, supporters were confident he would if Argentina made the final.
“We’ve already had so much from him,” one fan said. “If he wins it, fantastic, but everything he’s already done for Argentina is enough. He is incredible.”
Argentina now advance to the round of 16, carrying the weight of a nation’s adoration — and the relentless, still-rising records of their captain.