2026 World Cup - Argentina: Lionel Messi pays heartfelt tribute to his teammates

03.07.26 AET World Cup

Argentina

3

:

Cabo Verde

2

Delivering a decisive performance against Cape Verde, Lionel Messi was quick to highlight the strength of his team after Argentina clinched their spot in the quarter-finals.

Instrumental in the hard-fought extra-time victory over Cape Verde (3-2), Lionel Messi made sure to salute the group’s solidarity after this fiercely contested round of 16 clash.

Involved in all three Argentine goals during this rollercoaster knockout match, Messi carried his side into extra time before sealing qualification against a stubborn Cape Verde. With his 20th World Cup goal, the captain remains the top scorer of the 2026 edition, narrowly ahead of Kylian Mbappé.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: two through, seven out—the African teams’ round of 32 report

After the match, the Inter Miami striker chose to emphasize the team’s collective strength over his individual display:

"I am truly grateful to my teammates and very happy to be playing alongside them. They are friends, it’s a wonderful, close-knit group. Hearing all these kind words makes me happy."

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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