RismadarVoice Reporters
July 4, 2026
Defending champions Argentina overcame a determined Cape Verde side to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi once again inspired La Albiceleste, scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina survived a spirited challenge from the tournament debutants in an enthralling knockout clash at Miami Stadium.
Argentina took control in the first half through Messi, whose superb first touch and composed finish gave the South Americans an early advantage. The goal also marked his seventh of the tournament and extended his remarkable streak of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
Cape Verde, however, refused to be intimidated by the defending champions. The African side, making its first appearance at the World Cup, equalised shortly after the break when Deroy Duarte fired home a low finish to reward their impressive second-half display.
Argentina regained the lead early in extra time through defender Lisandro Martinez, whose powerful strike appeared to have put the match beyond Cape Verde’s reach.
But the Blue Sharks responded once again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing one of the goals of the tournament as he unleashed a spectacular strike into the top corner to level the scores and reignite hopes of a famous upset.
With the match heading towards penalties, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough from a corner kick. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Messi’s delivery, with the ball taking a deflection off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges before ending up in the net for an unfortunate own goal.
Cape Verde mounted one final assault in the closing stages, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a crucial save to deny Lopes Cabral and preserve his side’s narrow advantage.
The victory sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Despite progressing, coach Lionel Scaloni will be concerned by his team’s defensive vulnerabilities after being pushed to the limit by the tournament’s surprise package in his 100th match in charge of the national team.
Cape Verde earned widespread admiration throughout the competition after reaching the knockout stage in their maiden World Cup appearance, having drawn against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia during the group phase.
Their fearless performance against the reigning world champions further enhanced their reputation, as they came within minutes of forcing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
For Argentina, however, Messi once again proved decisive, helping the defending champions keep alive their quest for another world title.
