Lionel Messi made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player to reach a combined total of 20 goals and assists in World Cup history (12 goals and 8 assists). During the tournament's
Round of 16 match against Cape Verde in Miami, he also extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi just recreated this goal vs Cape Verde at 39 😭 pic.twitter.com/vsAAm8bGMT
— AM☬ (@AbsoluteMxssi) July 3, 2026
Leader Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute after being set up by Lautaro Martínez, giving Argentina control heading into halftime. Cape Verde refused to back down and equalised through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute, stunning the favourites and setting up a nervy finish. Argentina dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the match, but Cape Verde's disciplined defending and resilient performance kept the contest alive until the closing stages. Messi remained Argentina's biggest attacking threat, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced several important saves to frustrate the world champions.
Fans go wild on X after Messi becomes first player to score 20 FIFA World Cup goals
Messi etched his name into the record books as the first player ever to appear in six different editions of the quadrennial tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). In doing so, he has continued to shatter tournament milestones, including recording a historic hat-trick exactly 20 years to the day after his debut.
Supporters on X flooded social media with congratulatory messages, calling Messi the "GOAT" and praising his remarkable consistency and longevity on the biggest stage. Many fans described the achievement as a record that may stand for generations, while others hailed the World Cup icon for continuing to rewrite football history at the age of 39.
Let us have a look at some of the tweets:
That control from Lionel Messi is simply out of this world. Then again… so is Messi himself. He’s definitely not from this planet.👽🐐 https://t.co/7hOrU3F4MR
— Football Xtra (@FootballXtra365) July 3, 2026
Messi might be the most frustrating player of all time to hate watch, it’s a complete waste of time even at 39 years of age.
— Mod (@CFCMods) July 3, 2026
Messi was arguably the best player on the planet at 19 years old and he’s still arguably the best player on the planet at 39 years old. Do you know how fucking nuts that is
— 🥤 (@TheImmortalKop) July 3, 2026
If Messi carries on at this rate he might outdo his 2022 World Cup ffs what the hell are we seeing competing with Mbappe and Haaland at 39🤣🤣🤣
— TS🍇🇧🇷 (@Trujista) July 3, 2026
All the 7 goals Messi have scored in this World Cup have been from direct play,he purposely missed that penalty so he can show the whole world that he is the greatest player in the world.
— 𝔸b𝕒𝕫𝕫 (@abazwhyllzz) July 3, 2026
Leo Messi is also the first player ever to score 7 goals in two World Cup editions, with 7 goals in WC 2022 and in WC 2026.
