local
Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal, extends streak to 8 games and takes Golden Boot lead
By Tim Reynolds, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
Lionel Messi has scored again, making Friday’s contest against Cape Verde the record-extending eighth consecutive World Cup match in which Argentina’s captain has delivered at least one goal.Messi’s goal in the 29th minute against Cape Verde was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his rec...
Key takeaway Messi’s goal in the 29th minute against Cape Verde was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his record and moving him two goals ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
Lionel Messi's latest World Cup goal has sent shockwaves around the globe, and his local fans in Magnolia , Texas, are no exception. As the Argentine captain continues to break records, his presence on the field is being closely watched by the Houston-area community, where he plays for Inter Miami. With his teammate Rodrigo De Paul speaking highly of their friendship, it's clear that Messi's impact extends beyond the pitch. As Argentina inches closer to advancing to the Round of 16, local soccer enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their next match, hoping to see Messi bring home the Golden Boot. The fact that Messi has never won the Golden Boot despite his impressive track record makes this tournament all the more exciting for fans in Magnolia, who are rooting for their local star to make history.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lionel Messi has scored again, making Friday’s contest against Cape Verde the record-extending eighth consecutive World Cup match in which Argentina’s captain has delivered at least one goal.Messi’s goal in the 29th minute against Cape Verde was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his rec...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tim Reynolds, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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