Miami: Defending champions Argentina were pushed to their limits by a spirited Cape Verde side before securing a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash in Miami. Despite a trademark goal from captain Lionel Messi, Argentina needed an own goal in extra time to overcome the determined African underdogs and book a place in the Round of 16 against Egypt.
While Argentina ultimately progressed, it was Cape Verde’s resilience and refusal to surrender that won widespread admiration. The tournament debutants twice fought back from behind and remained a threat until the final whistle, giving the reigning world champions a stern examination.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a moment of brilliance. After receiving a pass from Lisandro Martínez, the Argentine captain accelerated past his marker and calmly beat goalkeeper Vozinha to give his side a 1-0 lead. The strike was Messi’s historic 20th goal in FIFA World Cup history, extending his record and moving him to the top of the Golden Boot race with seven goals in the tournament.
Cape Verde, however, refused to be intimidated. Despite trailing at halftime, the island nation continued to battle and was rewarded in the 59th minute when Diroy Duarte produced a superb finish. Bursting into the penalty area, he slipped the ball through the legs of defender Lisandro Martínez before beating goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 1-1.
With the teams deadlocked after 90 minutes, the match moved into extra time. Argentina regained the lead in the second minute of the additional period when Lisandro Martínez capitalized on a corner kick and fired home to make it 2-1.
Yet Cape Verde responded once again. In the 13th minute of extra time, Sidney Lopes Cabral surged into the box from the left flank and finished confidently past Emiliano Martínez, bringing his side level at 2-2 and stunning the Argentine supporters.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time. Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, and in an attempt to prevent Cristian Romero from connecting with a header, Cape Verde defender Dyanne Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net. The unfortunate own goal handed Argentina a 3-2 advantage, which they successfully defended until the final whistle.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also played a crucial role in keeping his team in the contest, producing several outstanding saves, including a superb stop to deny Messi during extra time.
Messi Calls for Better Team Coordination
Despite the victory, Messi admitted Argentina were far from their best.
“I believe we were unable to apply pressure effectively. There were moments when our coordination was lacking, especially when moving forward. Cape Verde kept possession well and forced us to work hard defensively. They made us run and fight for every ball because we did not press them as well as we should have,” Messi said after the match.
Scaloni Praises Team’s Fighting Spirit
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of the contest and praised both teams for their efforts.
“This was an extremely demanding match. However, our focus must remain on the positives. This team never gives up. Cape Verde showed that they are a very strong side and deserved great respect. Every player gave everything on the pitch, and by the end everyone was exhausted. That fighting spirit is part of Argentina’s identity,” Scaloni said.
Cape Verde Leave Tournament with Heads Held High
Cape Verde coach Bubista expressed pride in his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.
“We are proud of our country and our players. We came back twice against the world champions and pushed the match into extra time. The team showed courage, character, and dignity throughout the tournament. We may be leaving the World Cup, but we have established our identity on the global stage,” Bubista said.
Argentina now advance to a Round of 16 showdown with Egypt, but their narrow escape against Cape Verde served as a reminder that every match in the World Cup knockout stages presents a formidable challenge, regardless of rankings or reputation
