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GREAT. Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as Argentina qualifies for the Round of 16 stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Paul Childs/REUTERS

Lionel Messi continues to bend the FIFA World Cup to his will and break records at 39 as he helps send Argentina to the round of 16

Lionel Messi stole the FIFA World Cup spotlight once again as Argentina edged Cape Verde, 3-2, in an extra-time thriller on Friday, July 3 (Saturday, July 4, Manila time), but his virtuoso display only reaffirmed the perception that the reigning champions are still overly reliant on one man.