Argentina Edge Cape Verde 3-2 in World Cup Classic

Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a dramatic encounter in Miami.

The defending champions twice surrendered the lead before a Lionel Messi corner forced an own goal by Diney Borges with just 10 minutes remaining in extra time, finally ending the spirited resistance of the Blue Sharks.

Messi opened the scoring after the first hydration break, expertly controlling a perfectly weighted pass from Lisandro Martínez before delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Vozinha. The strike marked the Argentina captain's 20th FIFA World Cup goal, strengthening his lead in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

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Cape Verde refused to back down. After dominating possession for long spells, Argentina were stunned when Deroy Duarte finished calmly through Lisandro Martínez's legs to level the score in the second half.
Vozinha then produced a series of outstanding saves, including a point-blank stop from Messi, forcing the match into extra time.

Argentina regained the advantage just two minutes into the additional period when Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner and blasted home at the near post.

Cape Verde responded once again with one of the goals of the tournament as left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a spectacular effort into the net from outside the penalty area to make it 2-2.

However, the fairytale ended when Messi's dangerous corner created panic in the box, leading Diney Borges to divert the ball into his own net. The decisive goal secured Argentina's place in the last 16, where they will face Egypt.

You voted Lionel Messi @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 🌟

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/vyEfeJnc2r

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026

Messi was deservedly named Player of the Match after another influential display.
After the match, Cape Verde head coach Bubista praised his players' courage and character.

"We dignify what our country is. We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time. More than anything, it's being proud of our players who were dignified in the World Cup. We showed our identity."
Messi admitted Argentina struggled to cope with Cape Verde's movement and possession.

"I think we couldn't press them well, our lines were kind of far apart at times. When we wanted to jump from the defensive pivot, it was too far a distance for the center-backs and we ended up a bit disjointed. They always had an extra man because we couldn't match up, and that's why they kept the ball and made us run, because we couldn't press them properly."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Cape Verde after the final whistle.

"I have to give credit to our opponents. The truth is, when people say there's no such thing as an easy opponent, today Cape Verde proved they're a great team," Scaloni said.