Lionel Messi scores, reaches 20 World Cup goals

sportsJul 3, 2026271,373

Lionel Messi opened the scoring against Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 32, converting in the 29th minute for his 20th World Cup goal while making his 30th World Cup appearance. Messi returned to action for the defending champions in Miami and struck the match's first goal, breaking the deadlock against Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha. Teammate Rodrigo De Paul stood nearby as the play developed and Messi finished a composed chance that commentators described as routine for him. The goal continued Messi's scoring run across World Cup tournaments and reinforced his central role for Argentina as the knockout phase begins.

Rodger Sherman

@rodger.bsky.social

Finally a matchup between the two biggest stars in world soccer: Lionel Messi and Vozinha

3653h ago

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soccer bot74

This is not a drill

JM =^)20

Messi, no match for Vozinha

CJ Fogler

@cjzero.bsky.social

Lionel Messi takes a perfect ball in and finishes it, 1-0 Argentina

3472h ago

CJ Fogler159

replay of Messi's work on that goal

Timothy Featherston16

That pass is a thing of beauty. Good lord.

Bryan Hamilton, PhD7

How is that not offsides?

buddhacant4

Almost identical to Bergkamp vs. Argentina goal.

SaveMeASeat3

That first touch, I mean christ it’s unreal

kethcl.bsky.social1

Everything Messi (and Martinez) do to set this up is impressive. Messi starts offside then quickly jumps onside a moment before the pass. Martinez stays offside, I think to distract the goaltender and topside defender.

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Micah169

seriously what the actual fuck is that first touch, great pass and even better finish

LOWρUFO 🇺🇦🇵🇸🌍99

Messi becomes a lot less impressive once you realize he's simply warping space and time with his mind

Mike Golic Jr60

Momma, there goes that man

JP Acosta41

The first touch here, whew

Anjali Dayal38

nation after nation laid low by a guy who looks like he’s just ambling around a Gymboree with his kid until all of a sudden he doesn’t

Dave Levitan34

deals with the devil, things of that nature

Jake6

When you get into soccer, the first touch is always the thing you're explained to that is the ultimate difference. Everything else is subordinate to it Messi has the best first touch in the history of the game and #2 isn't even close

Danny Page5

i can do that… in FIFA. *mash long pass* *mash shoot* *pray*

Anthony (game script enthusiast)4

Beautiful first touch from Messi with the outside of his left foot to control the ball before roofing it for the finish And an equally beautiful pass from Lisandro Martinez to set it up

Chad Perman4

What words are there even for Messi at this point, my goodness. Just a freaking 39 year old, 5’7” god out there on the pitch, like it’s no big deal to drop a shot like that in there for his 7th goal this World Cup 🐐

Jordan

@jordanpfot.bsky.social

Nice argument, but it’s too late. I’ve already depicted myself as the calm under pressure, cheerful, and suave Pico Lopes while you are the shocked and fearful Lionel Messi

3131h ago

Katelyn Burns

@katelynburns.com

MLS player Lionel Messi just scored in the World Cup knockout stage.

902h ago

Bill DiFilippo

@billdifilippo.bsky.social

vozinha trying to skill move his way past lionel messi this man is going to heaven

572h ago

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Bill DiFilippo134

HE IS GOING TO HEAVEN

Chakra Khan7

i cannot say if this man is anointed but the signs are there

Tom Bogert

@tombogert.bsky.social

Rodrigo De Paul also standing over the free kick next to Lionel Messi is so funny. Any doubt over whether a right-footed player was taking that free kick instead of Messi?????? Gotta keep the keeper on his toes!

493h ago

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