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Messi’s 20th Goal Sends Argentina to Last-16, Leads Boot Race

7/5/2026

Summary

Messi Secures Win

Argentina reached last-16 after Lionel Messi’s 20th goal gave a 3-2 win in Miami.
Messi’s 29th-minute strike was his 124th goal, moving him ahead of Kylian Mbappé on Cup list.
The goal put Messi atop the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
Messi finished with a bump and welt after a clash with goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Évora Dias, his eighth consecutive World Cup match with a goal, a tournament first.

Summary

Legends Defy Age

Lionel Messi (39), Cristiano Ronaldo (41) and Robert Lewandowski (37) still play at ages deemed past prime.
They credit diets, advanced recovery and no alcohol for their longevity.
Coaches say strikers depend more on positioning, instinct and timing than speed.
Organizers have eased 50-50 duel rules and quickened throw-ins, keeping play longer and raising goal totals.
Marta continues scoring at 40, showing the longevity trend also applies to women’s football.

History

Historical Context

In June-July 1998 France hosted the 16th FIFA World Cup, fielding 32 teams and 704 players from four different decades—a rarity shared only with 1958, 1970 and 1990. Brazil’s 33-year-old striker Ronaldo scored eight goals, breaking the previous six-goal record, while France won 3-0 over Brazil in the final to claim their first home title.

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Messi Secures Win

Argentina reached last-16 after Lionel Messi’s 20th goal gave a 3-2 win in Miami.
Messi’s 29th-minute strike was his 124th goal, moving him ahead of Kylian Mbappé on Cup list.
The goal put Messi atop the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
Messi finished with a bump and welt after a clash with goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Évora Dias, his eighth consecutive World Cup match with a goal, a tournament first.

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