Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jack Rathborn

Lionel Messi praised for stunning 20th World Cup goal against Cape Verde

Lionel Messi Cape Verde (Organization) World Cup Gary Neville Ian Wright
  • Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the World Cup 2026 for Argentina against Cape Verde in the last 32 tie in Miami.
  • The 39-year-old's goal gave the defending champions the lead and marked his 20th career goal at this level.
  • Pundits, including Ian Wright, lauded Messi for his “total control” of Lisandro Martinez's pass before his steep finish past Vozinha.
  • Gary Neville noted Messi's ability to appear “disinterested” before executing a brilliant play, while Karen Carney likened him to a “lion stalking his prey.”
  • This goal extended Messi's scoring streak to eight consecutive games in the World Cup, with the winner of the tie set to face Egypt in Atlanta.

IN FULL

Lionel Messi lauded by Ian Wright and Gary Neville for ‘total control’ after sublime Argentina goal

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
New Jersey woman says a bagel shop worker called her a slur over an untoasted bagel. The manager allegedly stood there and did nothing
The store is one of the oldest operating in the area.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Psychology says people who save gift wrappers aren't cheap, they may see potential that others overlook
Psychology suggests that people who save gift wrappers aren't trying to be cheap or save money. Sometimes what looks like saving paper is really about preserving value.
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Ever Thinner Celebrities Trend In Hollywood Grows As Charlize Theron Is The Latest To Trigger Worry From Fans
Charlize Theron’s latest appearance has fans asking that question all over again: why do celebrities keep looking thinner and thinner?
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Woman warns about House of CB after her $200 dress allegedly melts. Then she shows what their customer service told her, says ‘This is very embarrassing’
Other shoppers describe similar returns and shipping fee issues.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
Psychology of eating spicy food: People who chase the hottest wings on the menu aren't just showing off; researchers call it “benign masochism,” the brain enjoys a scary signal it knows can't actually hurt you
Benign masochism describes enjoying sensations perceived as threats when safety is assured. This phenomenon explains liking spicy foods, sad movies, and roller coasters. Personality traits like sensation seeking influence this enjoyment of intensity. Repeated exposure helps the brain learn to associate discomfort with pleasure. This pattern highlights a safe, experimental…
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Psychology says people who spend their adult money on things they always wanted as kids aren't immature, they may be healing old emotional needs
Psychology suggests that adults who spend money on things they always wanted as children aren't acting out of their age. Sometimes the greatest gift isn't the object itself. It's finally giving your younger self the opportunity they never had.
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play