Messi scores 21st World Cup goal, extends scoring run

Lionel Messi extended his remarkable FIFA World Cup scoring streak to nine consecutive matches after finding the net in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt on Tuesday.

The Argentina captain has now scored 21 World Cup goals in his illustrious career, further cementing his status as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

Messi inspired Argentina’s dramatic comeback after the holders trailed 2-0 with just over 20 minutes remaining in the round of 16 clash.

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The 39-year-old first set up the goal that sparked the comeback before rifling home the equaliser for his 21st World Cup goal, extending his record as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Enzo Fernández struck an injury-time winner to complete one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and send Argentina into the last eight.

Messi’s goal also extended his unprecedented run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup appearances, adding another milestone to a glittering tournament career that has now yielded 21 goals.

Olugbenga Ige

Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.

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