Argentina's forward, Lionel Messi celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, strengthened his position as the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after finding the net in his country’s match against Cape Verde on Friday.
The goal took Messi’s World Cup tally to 20, extending his lead over France’s Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 18 goals at the tournament.
Former Germany striker, Miroslav Klose, previously the all-time leading scorer, now sits third with 16 goals, while Brazil legend Ronaldo is fourth on 15. Related News Cape Verde proved anything is possible at World Cup — Pico Lopes Colombia overcome Ghana to reach World Cup last 16 ‘They made Africa proud,’ Nigerians, Argentina hail Cape Verde after World Cup exit
Germany’s Gerd Mueller occupies fifth place with 14 goals.
