Messi hits 20th World Cup goal as Inter Miami contingent assessed | OneFootball

Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal as Argentina beat Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32.

This tie featured the biggest FIFA rankings gap in a World Cup knockout. According to interheron.com, the debutants still forced extra time with a disciplined, courageous display.

The 39-year-old opened the scoring in the 29th minute, his seventh of this tournament, and set a record by netting in eight straight World Cup matches. He said the tournament is tight, opponents should not be underestimated, and Argentina never give up.

Argentina now play Egypt at 11 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, seeking the first successful title defence since Brazil in 1962.

Rodrigo De Paul has anchored midfield, starting the three matches he has played, with one assist to Messi after being rested against Jordan.

Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the Round of 32 and Dayne St. Clair did not feature, with Maxime Crépeau ever-present for Jesse Marsch. A stronger World Cup might have bolstered his Miami claim, and his Nu Stadium future is in doubt.

Casemiro, heavily reported to be a Heron-in-waiting, has started four Brazil matches and equalised against Japan before a 2-1 win. Norway await at 3 p.m. CDT tomorrow.

Former Heron Diego Gómez missed Paraguay's Round of 16 upset of Germany through suspension but started all three group games. He later signed a five-year Brighton deal in December 2024 after contributing 7 goals and 7 assists in 40 Miami appearances.

Source: interheron.com