He found the target again. Following three goals against Algeria, two versus Austria and one past Jordan, Lionel Messi struck once more as Argentina beat Cape Verde in the World Cup last 32.

His opening goal in the tense 3-2 triumph in Miami marked his 20th World Cup finals strike, stretching the mark he set earlier in the group stage in the United States. It was his seventh of the event.

The mood around the venue had been rising well before kick-off, as fans filled nearby streets in sky blue and white, playing drums, chanting anthems and posing under large Argentina banners.

Inside the ground, blue and white jerseys filled the stands, with his number 10 visible on almost every shirt.

Banners hung from the barriers, including one striking image that showed Messi next to Diego Maradona as revered figures, highlighting the esteem in which supporters hold their top football heroes.

"He is our hero," one Argentina supporter said before the match. "He is like a deity to us."

"He improves with age," another remarked. "The more years pass, the sharper he becomes."

When questioned about Messi claiming the Golden Boot, fans expressed belief he could achieve it if Argentina reached the final.

"We have already received so much from him," one supporter noted. "If he claims the award, that would be great, yet all he has given Argentina is already sufficient. He remains remarkable."

By his own high standards, this outing was not his most commanding display.

Cape Verde held Argentina at bay for stretches and showed assurance that belied the ranking difference, with Argentina second globally and Cape Verde outside the top 60.

Even so, as he has done repeatedly, Messi left his imprint on the contest.

The goal served as proof that even in quieter moments he requires only one chance.

He timed his run perfectly to meet Lisandro Martinez's pass, controlled the ball on his first touch and lifted it beyond the Cape Verde goalkeeper.

Messi's tournament tally now stands at seven, a figure that would have topped the scoring charts in five of the last six World Cups. Since 1978 there have been 13 editions and that total would have led the way in all but two.

Commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Scotland striker James McFadden called the finish "simply outstanding."

"The movement he makes goes beyond the defensive line and the timing is first class," McFadden said.

"The pace of the pass to him is perfect and his initial touch is outstanding."

On ITV, Ally McCoist was equally impressed, labeling it "pure genius."

"It is one record after another," he said. "It is remarkable."

Those records keep accumulating.

He is the first player, male or female, to reach 20 career World Cup goals.

He has now scored in eight straight World Cup matches, a feat unmatched by anyone else. He is also the first to hit seven or more goals at two different World Cups after achieving the same mark in 2022.

What continues to distinguish him is not constant movement but an exceptional grasp of space and timing.

While others chase play, Messi reads it.

That may explain why, at 39, he still scores at his current rate. He surveys the field before taking possession, waits for the ideal opening and saves energy until the moment comes.

There has been another facet to his play in this tournament.

"Over the years Messi has sometimes strolled during matches to evaluate the situation," McFadden noted.

"Yet here he tracks back to regain possession and leads the press. It is not an intense high press, but he initiates it."

If Messi mania exists outside Argentina, it may be strongest in Miami.

The city's sizable Argentine population has welcomed him since he joined Inter Miami in 2023 and his reach goes well beyond the pitch.

His likeness appears everywhere, from city murals to shop displays and countless souvenirs. Youngsters in Argentina's number 10 shirt play on the beach while his name echoes around venues long before kick-off.

His presence has even influenced Miami dining. Several Argentine eateries feature milanesa, a breaded beef or chicken dish believed to be one of Messi's favorites, with some items named after him.

In the post-match media area where reporters interview players, excitement intensifies. Journalists gather closely hoping to speak with him, microphones rise and camera operators stretch for a quick view of the sport's biggest name.

Talk halts as he enters, with crews competing for position before he moves down the hallway seconds later.

The interest is so great that multiple online platforms worldwide focus solely on him. They track his every step, recording the latest chapter in a career that continues to fascinate fans everywhere.

The worldwide appeal for Messi reaches far past Argentina's own supporters and shows this World Cup is about more than one nation's quest for the trophy.

For many it offers another opportunity to see one of football's finest players keep writing history.