India, July 4 -- The battle for the coveted FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot has intensified after a night of historic drama under the Miami lights. Argentina talisman Lionel Messi has once again reaffirmed his claim as the leading goal scorer.

It was Messi's brilliant form that was the bedrock of the Albiceleste's survival in a breathless Round of 32 clash where defending champions Argentina survived a monumental scare to edge out a fearless Cabo Verde side 3-2 in extra time. The 39-year-old maestro broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a sumptuous finish to take his tournament tally to seven goals.

The Argentine superstar's eight consecutive World Cup games with a goal started in Qatar 2022 to extend his historic run, and he also ...