Messi Chases More Records as Argentina Face Cape Verde
Argentina continue their pursuit of World Cup glory as they prepare to meet debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32.
The match promises history on both sides: Lionel Messi is chasing yet more records, while the Blue Sharks aim to deliver the biggest upset in World Cup history.
La Albiceleste have been in imperious form, winning all three matches in Group J. Messi, tied with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot standings with six goals, has the chance to score in five successive knockout stage matches, a feat previously achieved only by Leonidas (Brazil, 1934/38), György Sárosi (Hungary, 1934/38), and Vavá (Brazil, 1958/62).
Already the all-time leading scorer at World Cups with 19 goals, Messi is also one assist away from surpassing Diego Maradona as the outright leader in tournament assists.
Friday’s match will mark Messi’s 30th World Cup appearance, the most in history, while coach Lionel Scaloni celebrates his 100th game in charge, seeking his 73rd win.
Argentina have reached the knockout stages for the 15th time, and ninth in the last 10 editions, and are unbeaten in their last 11 knockout matches across the World Cup and Copa América.
Their current run of 10 straight wins, eight without conceding, underscores their dominance.
Cape Verde, however, have already made history. The smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages, with a population of just 525,000, they remain unbeaten in their debut tournament after drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to finish second in Group H.
Remarkably, they are the only country never to lose a World Cup match.
The stakes could not be higher. Victory for Cape Verde would represent the biggest upset in World Cup history in terms of FIFA rankings, with 62 places separating Argentina (2) from the Blue Sharks (64).
