Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Lionel Messi once again etched his name into the history books, scoring his record-extending 20th FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina edged past Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash on Saturday. The victory secured Argentina's place in the Round of 16.

Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, extending his remarkable run by scoring in a record eighth consecutive World Cup match. The goal also made him the first player in FIFA World Cup history to reach 20 career goals and took his tally to seven goals in the ongoing tournament, moving him ahead in the Golden Boot race. The 39-year-old also became the first player to score at least seven goals in two different World Cups and continued to rewrite several knockout-stage records with his latest performance.

Despite Messi's early strike, spirited debutants Cape Verde pushed the defending champions all the way, forcing the match into extra time before Argentina eventually sealed a hard-fought 3-2 win.

With the victory, Argentina progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt. As Messi continues to break records, the defending champions remain firmly on course in their quest to retain the World Cup title.