Argentina vs. Cape Verde is turning out to be one of the most thrilling games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Prior to the game, the defending champions were expected to cruise to an easy win over Cape Verde.
For what it’s worth, Lionel Messi’s 29th-minute goal helped push that narrative. But since then, with a 1-0 lead, Cape Verde has equalized twice.
Lionel Messi’s goal helps him break a tie with Pele and Kylian Mbappe
At the time of writing, Argentina and Cape Verde are locked in a 2-2 tie after the first half of the extra time.
But for now, let’s focus on Messi breaking yet another record at the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup run. According to OptaJoe on X, Messi now has the most goal contributions in the knockout stages of the tournament.
“With the opening goal against Cabo Verde, Lionel Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup (6 goals, 6 assists), surpassing Pele and Kylian Mbappe (11 each) for the most since 1966,” the X handle revealed.
In addition to that, Messi becomes the first-ever player in World Cup history to have 20 goals to his name, further expanding his lead over Kylian Mbappe.
But it’ll go to waste if Cape Verde continues pushing the three-time World Cup champions to the brink and cause arguably the biggest upset of the tournament.
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