Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE, FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi has scored six goals for Argentina so far at the World Cup. (AP Photo) Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Match Live Updates: Lionel Messi resumes his chase of the Golden Boot on Friday. Argentina’s captain — widely considered the greatest player ever — returns to the World Cup pitch when the defending champions take on Cape Verde in the round of 32. Messi has six goals in this World Cup, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead. Norway, England and France have all clinched spots in the round of 16; Argentina and Messi need a win over Cape Verde to join them in that round. Messi has been on an absolute goal-scoring tear, with at least one goal in his last seven World Cup matches going back to 2022 — something no men’s player has ever accomplished in the tournament’s history. The Golden Boot is something Messi has never won. He finished second in that race with seven goals at …