Lionel Messi Owns Unfortunate World Cup Record Despite Avoiding World Cup Upset

Every time Lionel Messi has touched the pitch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he has made history, and that was certainly true in Argentina’s 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday, where he scored and assisted to become the tournament’s all-time assists leader. However, Messi also set another record … Read more

Lionel Messi Denied From Penalty Spot With Argentina Trailing Egypt Early

If Argentina can’t mount a comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, Lionel Messi will be lamenting his shocking first-half penalty miss. With Argentina trailing 1-0 after a 15th minute goal from Egypt center back Yasser Ibrahim, Argentina full back Nicolás Tagliafico drew a penalty that set the stage for Messi to be the … Read more

Adidas Unveils Shiny New Match Ball For 2026 World Cup Final

Adidas has revealed the official match ball that will be used during the final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Named the “Trionda Final,” the ball will debut during the tournament’s semifinals, third-place game and the World Cup final.  (Photo courtesy of Adidas) Lionel Messi has scored 7 goals for Argentina during the 2026 … Read more

2026 World Cup Bracket: Live Look At Quarterfinals Matchups

The round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, and the quarterfinals bracket is starting to fill out. As the biggest World Cup ever continues, the round of 16 began Saturday, and Morocco and France were the first teams to punch their tickets into the next round. It only gets harder … Read more

Behind The ‘Incredulous Joy’ Of Calling Argentina-Cape Verde’s Epic Game

Was this going to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup game?  That was a thought that entered both John Strong’s and Stu Holden’s minds as they braced themselves for history while calling the epic round of 32 matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde on Friday in Miami. Cape Verde pushed the reigning champions to the … Read more

All-Time World Cup Top Scorers: Messi Makes History, Who’s Next On The List?

The GOAT continues to amaze the world as Lionel Messi now reigns supreme at the top of the list of all-time goalscorers at the World Cup.  With his two goals against Austria in Argentina’s group-stage game on June 22, Messi surpassed the long-standing record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. It came a week after Messi … Read more

Messi, Argentina Defeat Cape Verde 3-2 In Extra Time, Advance To Round Of 16

Lionel Messi wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. His Argentina teammates did the same. A thrilling, unforgettable World Cup match with underdog Cape Verde was over — and the defending champions survived after being pushed to the brink. Cape Verde equalized in regulation and again in extra time, but … Read more

The Last Dance Continues As Lionel Messi – Once Again – Carries Argentina

There’s a moment in every Argentina game, usually as things get uncomfortable, when 80,000 heads turn in the same direction. They fixate on a 39-year-old with graying stubble and the nonchalant gaze of a man strolling to the corner store.  It happened again on Friday night in Miami, with the reigning World Cup champions two … Read more

How England’s Harry Kane Has Become Lionel Messi-Esque This World Cup

England’s Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefiting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World … Read more

Lionel Messi Extends Multiple Records With 20th World Cup Goal For Argentina

It’s another goal and another all-time record for Lionel Messi. Messi scored his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal in Argentina’s round of 16 match against Cape Verde on Friday at Miami Stadium, extending his own record for the most by any man or woman in FIFA World Cup history. MESSI MAGIC ⭐️ Lionel Messi … Read more