Lionel Messi scores, reaches 20 World Cup goals

sportsJul 3, 2026362,036

Lionel Messi opened the scoring against Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 32, his goal putting Argentina 1-0 and marking his 20th World Cup goal in his 30th World Cup match. The strike, reported in the 29th minute, broke a long run of resilience from Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who had held Argentina scoreless for the tournament and been praised for keeping them at bay for 102 minutes. Messi’s goal extended his scoring streak to eight consecutive World Cup appearances and put him into the lead for the Golden Boot race. Argentina faced one of the tournament’s surprise teams in Cape Verde in Miami, a matchup framed as a difficult knockout test by Messi before the game. Messi told reporters the match “was going to be a very difficult match” and emphasized that knockout games give nobody anything for free. The goal reinforced Messi’s central role as Argentina defends its title and sharpened the narrative of his World Cup legacy as the tournament proceeds to the later knockout rounds.

Rodger Sherman

@rodger.bsky.social

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

40645d ago

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soccer bot77

This is not a drill

JM =^)21

Messi, no match for Vozinha

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

37545d ago

CJ Fogler

@cjzero.bsky.social

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

37945d ago

CJ Fogler169

replay of Messi's work on that goal

Timothy Featherston17

That pass is a thing of beauty. Good lord.

Bryan Hamilton, PhD7

How is that not offsides?

buddhacant5

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.

Quoting this

Micah188

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

LOWρUFO 🇺🇦🇵🇸🌍125

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

Mike Golic Jr62

Momma, there goes that man

JP Acosta42

The first touch here, whew

Anjali Dayal41

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 Levitan35

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

Anthony (game script enthusiast)5

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

Danny Page5

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

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 🐐

Todd in the Shadows

@shadowtodd.bsky.social

Lionel Messi has been involved in maybe the three most exciting and memorable World Cup games I have ever seen. France-Argentina 2018. France-Argentina 2022 Final. Argentina-Cape Verde 2026.

19645d ago

Fabrizio Romano (MIRROR)

@fabrizioromano.yopro20.com

🚨 Lionel Messi: “We already knew this was going to be a very difficult match. It wasn’t a coincidence that this team didn’t lose to Spain or Uruguay”. “These are knockout matches, nobody gives you anything for free”.

12045d ago

Sheba

@shebainpdx.bsky.social

"Don't cry for me Lionel Messi" just broke out in this mostly Cabo Verde rooting pub and I am HERE for it w/ @efilnikufsin.bsky.social

11845d ago

Katelyn Burns

@katelynburns.com

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

9245d ago

Bill DiFilippo

@billdifilippo.bsky.social

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

5945d ago

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Bill DiFilippo142

HE IS GOING TO HEAVEN

Chakra Khan8

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

Michael Pacholek

@michaelpacholek.bsky.social

Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, goalkeeper for Capo Verde. He is 40 years old, and for 102 minutes, he held defending Champions Argentina including Lionel Messi to a standstill. Give this man some DAP.

4245d ago

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!

5145d ago

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