Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a hard fought 3 to 2 win over Cape Verde after a thrilling contest. Lionel Messi gave the defending champions the lead and scored in his eighth straight World Cup match to move to the top of the Golden Boot standings with seven goals. Cape Verde fought back through Lopes Cabral to make it 1 to 1, but Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead. Cape Verde equalised once again to keep their hopes alive before Cristian Romero scored the winning goal. The debutants pushed for another equaliser until the final whistle but Argentina held on to secure victory. Cape Verde leave the tournament with pride after an impressive first ever World Cup campaign.
