Argentina national football team survived a major scare from Cape Verde national football team to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a gripping round of 32 clash in Miami, Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, scoring his 20th World Cup goal to give Argentina the lead in the 29th minute. His sublime finish, also his seventh goal of the tournament, looked set to send the reigning champions into the next round comfortably.
However, Cape Verde refused to back down. The tournament debutants, who have won admirers with their fearless performances, drew level in the second half through Deroy Duarte, stunning Argentina and pushing the match into extra time.
Argentina regained control early in extra time when Lisandro Martinez fired home after a corner. But Cape Verde responded again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing one of the goals of the tournament as he smashed a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 2-2.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the breakthrough from a set-piece. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Messi’s corner, with the ball deflecting off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges for an unfortunate own goal that sealed Argentina’s passage.
The victory sends Argentina into a last-16 showdown with Egypt national football team in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Speaking after the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were pushed to the limit.
“It would have been madness to lose. It was a very tough match. We have to congratulate our opponents because they proved there are no easy teams at this level,” he said.
Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, bow out with heads held high after an inspiring campaign. The Blue Sharks had already impressed in the group stage by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws, and they nearly produced one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.
Messi, playing in Miami where he also stars for Inter Miami, was central to Argentina’s attack throughout. The 39-year-old extended his remarkable record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
According to Channels Television, via AFP, Argentina ultimately survived a fierce late Cape Verde assault, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making a crucial save in the closing moments to preserve the win.
