Lionel Messi scores his eighth goal of this year’s World Cup, takes lead in Golden Boot race

ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi scored his eighth goal of this year’s World Cup on Tuesday against Egypt, extending his scoring streak to nine consecutive games for Argentina and moving to the top of a tight Golden Boot race.

The 21st goal of Messi’s World Cup career came in the 83rd minute off an assist from Gonzalo Montiel, leveling the game at 2-2 and making up for a saved penalty kick in the 19th minute. Messi’s goal came only minutes after assisting on Argentina’s first score of the game — a header from Cristian Romero in the 79th minute.

Yasser Ibrahim put Egypt ahead in the 15th minute with a header. Mustafa Zico scored Egypt’s second goal in the 67th minute off an assist from Haissem Hassan.

Messi has now scored in a record nine consecutive World Cup matches dating back to Argentina’s title run in 2022. Tuesday’s goal marked his 13th in that nine-game span.