Defending champions Argentina survived a determined challenge from tournament debutants Cape Verde, securing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fiercely contested encounter at Miami Stadium saw the South Americans pushed to their limits by a fearless Cape Verde side that twice fought back from behind before an unfortunate own goal ended their historic campaign.
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Argentina broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez sent a precise long pass over the defence to captain Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old controlled the ball expertly with the outside of his left foot before firing into the roof of the net, registering his 20th FIFA World Cup goal across six tournament appearances.
Cape Verde refused to be intimidated despite conceding first. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when captain Ryan Mendes delivered a dangerous cross that found Deroy Duarte, who controlled the ball before calmly finishing past Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make it 1-1.
Messi almost restored Argentina’s lead moments later, but goalkeeper Vozinha produced an outstanding save. The Cape Verde shot-stopper also denied the Argentine captain from a trademark free kick before defender Pico Lopes blocked another dangerous effort from Enzo Fernández, forcing the match into extra time.
Argentina regained the advantage early in the additional period when Lisandro Martínez unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner to make it 2-1.
Once again, Cape Verde responded. Left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a superb curling effort that found the top corner, bringing his side level for the second time and keeping their World Cup dream alive.
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The decisive moment arrived six minutes into the second half of extra time. Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Cristian Romero headed the ball against the arm of Cape Verde defender Diney Borges, resulting in an own goal that restored Argentina’s lead at 3-2.
Cape Verde nearly forced yet another equaliser in the closing minutes, but Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save to deny Sidny Lopes Cabral’s dangerous free kick and preserve Argentina’s narrow advantage.
Although eliminated, Cape Verde left the tournament with widespread admiration after an impressive debut World Cup campaign, matching one of football’s traditional powers with courage, discipline and attacking ambition.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience after overseeing his 100th match in charge.
“The match was incredibly tough. You always have to take the positive, and it’s that this team never gives up.”
Scaloni also commended Cape Verde’s performance.
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“I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it’s true.”
The victory sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday, while Cape Verde bow out with their reputation significantly enhanced after a memorable first appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
