The Round of 32 stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded on the morning of July 4, and attention has now turned to the pre-quarterfinal round, which features some of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures. Defending champions Argentina are among the teams through to this stage after grinding out a tight 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Captain and star forward Lionel Messi was central to that victory, scoring a goal that not only helped his side over the line but also added another entry to his growing list of personal milestones at this tournament.
Messi tightens his grip on the Golden Boot race
Messi has never won a FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in his career, but this edition looks set to be different. His goal against Cape Verde took his tally at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to 7, keeping him clearly ahead in the Golden Boot race. That strike carried extra significance: it was Messi's 20th World Cup goal overall, a number that now places him at the very top of the all time World Cup scoring charts. On top of that, Messi has become the first footballer in history to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a record that sets him apart from every player who has ever played the tournament.
Messi's stiffest challenge in the Golden Boot race comes from France's Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 6 goals so far this World Cup, just one behind the Argentine captain. Tied in third place are Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Harry Kane, both of whom have found the net 5 times each.
Top scorers at the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): 7 goals
- Kylian Mbappe (France): 6 goals
- Erling Haaland (Norway): 5 goals
- Harry Kane (England): 5 goals
Argentina to face Egypt in the Round of 16
Having advanced from the Round of 32, Argentina will now take on Egypt in the pre-quarterfinal round. Egypt had played out a 1-1 draw against Australia in the Round of 32 before winning the resulting penalty shootout 4-2 to book their spot in the next round. The Round of 16 clash between Argentina and Egypt is scheduled for 9:30 PM on July 7, as per Indian Standard Time. The fixture carries significant weight for Messi and his side. A win would push Argentina a step closer to defending their title, and another goal from Messi would further strengthen his hold on the Golden Boot race.
