Lionel Messi continues to command the spotlight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking barriers left and right with his extraordinary performances.
The veteran forward delivered another masterclass on Friday, scoring as Argentina defeated Cape Verde and raised his tournament tally to seven goals across four matches.
The Argentina captain netted in the 29th minute, helping the defending champions secure a vital win over the tournament newcomers and extend their unbeaten run. This triumph propels Lionel Scaloni’s team into the Round of 16 as they pursue a second consecutive World Cup title.
Messi’s latest goal marks him as the first player in history to score in eight consecutive World Cup appearances.
At 39, he also became the first footballer to reach 30 World Cup matches, smashing the previous record. His overall World Cup goals now total 20 including six in knockout stages strengthening his pursuit of the Golden Boot.
Across his legendary career, Messi has scored more than 918 senior goals for club and country, complemented by over 410 assists, underscoring his unparalleled impact on the game.
According to reports on TVC here are the standout records Messi has shattered at the 2026 World Cup:
1. All-time top scorer in men’s World Cup history— He surpassed Miroslav Klose’s 16 goals, first against Austria and then extending it versus Jordan.
2.First player to score in seven straight World Cup matches — He set this mark against Jordan, eclipsing the shared record of six by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.
3.Most World Cup appearances — He pushed his personal record to 29 games.
4.Most World Cup victories by a single player — He added to his own benchmark with Argentina’s group-stage successes.
5.Most minutes played in World Cup history — He continues expanding the record he already owned, surpassing 2,490 minutes.
6.Oldest scorer of a World Cup hat-trick — His treble against Algeria came at 38 years and 357 days, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s prior mark.
7. Leading South American scorer in World Cup history — The Algeria hat-trick lifted him past Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário and his 15 goals.
8. Most World Cup goals from outside the penalty area — His Jordan free-kick became his sixth, overtaking Rivellino’s five.
9. Joint-most direct free-kick goals in World Cup play — The Jordan strike marked his second, equaling Rivellino.
10.First male player to compete in six World Cups — Covering 2006 through 2026.
11.Only player to score in five different World Cup editions — He extended this unique feat by finding the net in 2026, having previously scored in 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
12.Only player with an assist in five separate World Cups— He holds and expands this distinction.
13. Most World Cup goal contributions — He shares the all-time lead with Pelé while adding to the total
14. Argentina’s record World Cup goalscorer — He boosted his national tally to 19 goals