Lionel Messi live stats today: Updated World Cup goals, highlights from Argentina vs. Cape Verde

Lionel Messi live stats today: Updated World Cup goals, highlights from Argentina vs. Cape Verde originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Lionel Messi has been everything Argentina could have hoped for and more to open the 2026 World Cup. But now, the stakes are higher.

The knockout round has arrived for Argentina, set to face Cape Verde in Miami on Friday evening — a location that Messi should be well-familiar with, playing for MLS’s Inter Miami since 2023.

Expectations for Messi to put on another show will certainly be high, considering the environment and his performances at the World Cup so far. At age 39, he’s totaled six goals already with Argentina going 3-0 in group stage play and emerging as one of the favorites to win it all. What can Messi bring to the table in the Round of 32?

The Sporting News is tracking Lionel Messi’s performance in Argentina vs. Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Follow along with the star’s stats, highlights and more below.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Argentina vs. Cape Verde score

Lionel Messi stats today

This section will be updated during Friday’s match.

• Goals: 1
• Assists: 0
• Shots: 3
• Shots on goal: 2
• Touches: 37

Lionel Messi live highlights, updates from Argentina vs. Cape Verde at World Cup

All times ET. 

6:32 p.m. — Eight World Cup matches in a row with a goal for Messi. Unreal.

8 straight FIFA World Cup matches with a goal for Leo Messi 😱

He extends his incredible record to give Argentina the lead pic.twitter.com/5bdFNwZlGR

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026

6:31 p.m. — Messi does it again! Make it seven World Cup goals for the superstar already, as he puts Argentina up 1-0 vs. Cape Verde.

MESSI GOOOAAL TO GIVE ARGENTINA THE LEAD 🐐

Lionel Messi scores his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal to make it 1-0 over Cape Verde! pic.twitter.com/ewqsqO5Sl9

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026

6:21 p.m. — On his free kick chance, Messi’s shot is saved by Cape Verde’s goalkeeper:

Messi’s free kick is saved by Cape Verde keeper Vozinha 😱 pic.twitter.com/AUYnyjLdgq

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026

6:17 p.m. — An early look at the goal for Messi, but he misses to the right:

Messi with a chance to give Argentina the early lead 👀 pic.twitter.com/FEzhSxXF9N

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026

6:15 p.m. — Messi is also making some history tonight, becoming the first player to make 30 appearances at the World Cup.

2006 👉 2026 ❤️

Lionel Messi becomes the only player in history to make 30 @FIFAWorldCup appearances 👏🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/IrOzPOJ4o5

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 3, 2026

6:00 p.m. — Messi is ready for Argentina’s first knockout match.

Messi ready to lead out Argentina in the Round of 32 against Cape Verde 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gl0YU7mCXu

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026

How to watch Messi’s World Cup games

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

Friday’s match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Argentina World Cup 2026 schedule, results

Now in the knockout round, Argentina would face the winner of Australia vs. Egypt next in the Round of 16 with a win on Friday.

Here’s a look at Argentina’s performances so far:

Read More