World Cup 2026: Argentina beat fearless Cape Verde after tough battle

Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde as the reigning champions survived a major World Cup scare to reach the last 16.

WEBDESK – MEDIABITES

Defending champions Argentina survived a stunning challenge from World Cup debutants Cape Verde to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16.

The thrilling Round of 32 clash in Miami saw Argentina pushed to the brink by a resilient Cape Verde side that twice came from behind before a packed crowd of more than 64,000 fans.

The South American giants finally sealed victory in the second half of extra time after a decisive own goal by Cape Verde defender Diney Borges following a dangerous corner delivered by Lionel Messi.

Argentina will now face Egypt in the last 16 in Atlanta next week.

Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament after controlling a long pass brilliantly before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

However, Cape Verde refused to back down. Midfielder Deroy Duarte equalized shortly before the hour mark, calmly finishing past Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina regained the lead early in extra time when defender Lisandro Martinez fired a powerful strike into the top corner, seemingly sending the Albiceleste through.

But Cape Verde stunned the world champions again as Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a magnificent shot into the net to make it 2-2 and force another dramatic twist in the contest.

The decisive moment arrived six minutes into the second half of extra time when Cristian Romero’s header from Messi’s corner deflected off Borges and into the net.

Cape Verde nearly found another equalizer late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a crucial save from Lopes Cabral’s dangerous free-kick to preserve Argentina’s lead.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ fighting spirit while also applauding Cape Verde’s impressive performance.

“The match was incredibly tough. This team never gives up,” Scaloni said. “I want to congratulate our opponents because today they showed they are a great team.”

Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned global admiration during their first-ever World Cup appearance. Ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, the small island nation exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stages and pushing the reigning champions to extra time.

Cape Verde coach Bubista said his team had made their country proud.

“To draw level twice against the world champions is something incredible,” he said. “This World Cup has shown our character and our quality.”

Cape Verde’s disciplined defence and fearless attacking football frustrated Argentina for long periods, with defender Kevin Pina delivering one of the standout performances of the match.

Messi continued to prove decisive for Argentina, once again carrying much of the attacking responsibility as the reigning champions struggled to break down Cape Verde’s determined resistance.

The victory keeps alive Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup title, though the performance exposed vulnerabilities ahead of a difficult last-16 clash against Egypt.