Lionel Messi can today write another golden page in his already legendary career, with the opportunity to surpass Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot of the 2026 World Cup, when Argentina faces Cape Verde in the Round of 16. The Argentine star, with six goals in just three matches, is one step away from isolating himself at the top of the scoring charts, while the French captain has the same number of goals… but in one more game played. The eyes of the football world are focused on MetLife Stadium, where Messi starts from the beginning, determined to continue his triumphant journey.
Defending world champions Argentina come into this match after an impeccable group stage, where Lionel Messi set a new record by scoring in each of his last seven World Cup matches, totaling 11 goals during this period (including five in the last four matches of Qatar 2022 and six in three encounters this year). In addition to the captain, Nicolás Otamendi also stands out, having become the Argentine defender with the most matches in final phases (17), surpassing the legend Oscar Ruggeri. On the other side, Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the FIFA rankings, comes in with high morale, having become the first debutant to exit the group stage of a World Cup unbeaten since Senegal in 2002, securing qualification as the second-placed team in Group H after a goalless draw against the powerful Spain.
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O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
The importance of this clash goes beyond the individual battle between Messi and Mbappé. Argentina, which is looking to defend its title, knows it cannot underestimate a Cape Verdean team that has conceded only two goals in the group stage — a record surpassed only by Spain, Mexico, and Brazil — and whose defensive organization has bewildered theoretically superior opponents. The surprising solidity of the Africans was evident in their matches against Spain and Uruguay, where, despite having only 25.7% and 34.8% possession respectively, they managed to withstand the attacking onslaught from the favorites. Against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde even dominated, finishing with 51% possession and 15 shots, accumulating an xG of 1.39 against just 0.39 for the Saudis. The experienced goalkeeper Vozinha, aged over 40, has already made history by becoming only the third goalkeeper to register more than one clean sheet after turning 40 in World Cups, joining names like Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff.
In the preview of the match, Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, did not hold back in his praise for the opponent, warning that “those who think it will be easy do not understand modern football,” emphasizing respect for the organization and resilience of the Cape Verdeans. Messi, always focused, stated yesterday: “These matches are finals, and there is no room for error. I am motivated, but the whole team knows it must give everything on the pitch.” Meanwhile, Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, expressed pride in the historic achievement but rejected any feelings of inferiority: “We are outsiders, but we have already shown that we are not here for a stroll. We will fight until the end, no matter who we face.”
With Argentina eyeing a second consecutive championship and Messi pursuing the Golden Boot, the pressure is at its peak. If the South Americans win, they will advance to the quarter-finals, bringing Messi closer to becoming the tournament's top scorer. Should there be a surprise and Cape Verde manage to eliminate the world champions, it would be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history and a landmark for African football. Tactically, a dominant Argentina is expected, but one that remains vigilant to the dangers of the Cape Verdean counterattack and the inspiration of Vozinha in goal.
The match kicks off at 11:00 PM (Lisbon time), broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK and available for streaming on the ITV and ITVX platforms. Portuguese fans will be able to follow all the action online and on social media, where Messi's presence promises to generate a true media storm. Regardless of the outcome, this is one of those encounters that could go down in the history of world football.
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