Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare to Win 3-2 After Extra Time and Reach Round of 16

Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare to Win 3-2 After Extra Time and Reach Round of 16

Messi Scores Again as Defending Champions Overcome Brave Cape Verde Challenge

Argentina were pushed to the limit by World Cup debutants Cape Verde before securing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash in Miami.

Lionel Messi once again inspired the defending champions, scoring and providing two assists as Argentina eventually booked their place in the Round of 16 after a thrilling encounter that lasted 120 minutes.

The Albiceleste took the lead in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez delivered a superb long pass over the top for Messi. The Argentine captain controlled the ball brilliantly before finishing from a tight angle to make it 1-0.

Cape Verde refused to be intimidated and produced a spirited performance throughout the match. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, allowing Deroy Duarte to fire through the legs of Emiliano Martínez and level the score.

With the match tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the contest moved into extra time. Argentina regained the lead almost immediately when Messi's corner created chaos inside the box, and Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to smash the ball into the net in the 92nd minute.

However, Cape Verde once again responded. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, curling a stunning effort into the top corner to make it 2-2 and silence the Argentine supporters.

Just as penalties appeared inevitable, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough. In the 111th minute, Messi delivered another dangerous corner, Cristian Romero's header took a significant deflection off defender Diney Borges, and the ball found its way into the net for an own goal that proved to be the winner.

Cape Verde continued to fight until the final whistle and created late opportunities, but Argentina held firm to secure qualification.

Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for pushing the reigning world champions to the brink in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.

Match Result

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time)

Goals

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 29'

Deroy Duarte (Cape Verde) – 59'

Lisandro Martínez (Argentina) – 92'

Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde) – 103'

Diney Borges (Own Goal) – 111'

Key Moment

A deflected Cristian Romero header forced an own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute, giving Argentina the decisive advantage.

Argentina advance to the Round of 16, while Cape Verde exit the tournament with their heads held high after a historic and courageous World Cup campaign.