Messi Sets New World Cup Record as Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare to Reach Last 16

Egypt make history with maiden FIFA World Cup knockout victory

Sports Desk

LOS ANGELES: Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career, becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score seven goals in two different editions of the tournament as defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde to book their place in the Round of 16.

The 39-year-old also became the first footballer to appear in 30 FIFA World Cup matches, extending a list of records he has rewritten during the 2026 tournament.

Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with a composed finish after collecting a long pass from Lisandro Martinez before delicately lifting the ball over Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. The goal was his seventh of the 2026 World Cup, matching the tally he produced during Argentina's victorious 2022 campaign in Qatar. No player had previously reached seven goals in two separate World Cup editions.

Messi has enjoyed a record-breaking tournament in North America, having also become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals. His career World Cup tally has now reached 20 goals. Earlier in the competition, he also became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches and registered the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.

Argentina survive major upset

Despite Messi's early breakthrough, Argentina were pushed to the limit by an inspired Cape Verde side in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.

Deroy Duarte equalised in the 59th minute to stun the defending champions before Cape Verde held firm to force extra time. Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's advantage in the opening minute of extra time, but Cape Verde refused to surrender as Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home another superb equaliser in the 103rd minute. With the match seemingly heading toward penalties, pressure from Cristian Romero forced Cape Verde defender Diney Borges into an unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute, handing Argentina a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

Argentina then defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure their place in the last 16. Head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had been given a stern examination and praised Cape Verde's outstanding display.

He described the encounter as an extremely difficult match and credited his players for refusing to give up, while also applauding Cape Verde for proving that no opponent can be underestimated at the World Cup.

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes said his team's performance demonstrated that smaller footballing nations can compete with the world's elite through belief, determination and courage. Argentina, who are chasing a second consecutive World Cup title, will now face Egypt in Atlanta for a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt script history

Earlier, Egypt celebrated one of the biggest moments in their football history by winning a FIFA World Cup knockout match for the first time.

The Pharaohs defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following extra time. Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty to send Egypt into the last 16.

Australia attempted a tactical change by introducing experienced goalkeeper Maty Ryan moments before the shootout, hoping his experience would make the difference. However, Ryan was unable to stop any of Egypt's successful spot-kicks.

Australia's hopes faded after captain Harry Souttar and teenager Lucas Herrington both missed from the penalty spot. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah hailed the achievement as a historic moment for his country, saying he had encouraged his teammates to embrace the occasion rather than feel overwhelmed by the pressure.

Australia coach Tony Popovic defended both his decision to introduce Ryan and the choice of 18-year-old Herrington as one of the penalty takers despite the heartbreaking defeat.

Egypt's victory also provided a major boost for African football after several continental representatives, including South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, DR Congo and Algeria, were eliminated in the Round of 32.

Colombia also advance

In Friday's remaining fixture, Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup Round of 16.

Meanwhile, organisers confirmed that Sunday's highly anticipated clash between England and Mexico at the Estadio Azteca will kick off as originally scheduled despite earlier concerns over severe weather forecasts.