Lionel Messi & Kylian Mbappe beaten to World Cup Goal of the Tournament award as iconic strike vs Argentina takes the prize - Goal.com

What the report says

Goal.com reported that Sidny Lopes Cabral of Cabo Verde has won FIFA’s Hyundai Goal of the Tournament award for the 2026 World Cup, beating nominees including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez. The winning goal came against Argentina in the round of 32, where the 23-year-old Rotterdam-born defender produced a standout individual effort that was later selected through a fan vote.

According to the report, Lopes Cabral drove forward from full-back, moved past Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and curled a shot beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into the top corner. Goal.com said the moment gained added attention because it came against Argentina, who went on to reach the final before losing to Spain. The match was reported as taking place in Miami in front of about 65,000 spectators.

The article described the award as a major milestone for Cabo Verde and for Lopes Cabral, noting that previous winners of the honor include James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison. Goal.com also reported that Eldor Shomurodov finished second in the vote and Wilson Isidor third, while the Cabo Verdean’s strike placed ahead of efforts from some of the sport’s most prominent names.

Goal.com highlighted Lopes Cabral’s rapid rise, saying he had played in Germany’s fifth tier only a few years earlier. The outlet also reported that Brazilian former full-back Marcelo, one of Lopes Cabral’s idols, contacted him to congratulate him and said he had voted for the goal, adding further attention to one of the tournament’s notable individual stories.