Argentina advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup 2026 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in a dramatic Round of 32 match held in Miami. The defending champions faced a fierce challenge from the Blue Sharks, who displayed remarkable resilience throughout the encounter, which was marked by multiple lead changes and intense moments, culminating in an extra-time finish.

Match Highlights

The match began with Lionel Messi putting Argentina ahead in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed assist. However, Cape Verde responded with a stunning equalizer from Deroy Duarte in the 58th minute, showcasing their determination. Argentina regained the lead early in extra time through Lisandro Martinez's powerful strike, but Sidny Lopes Cabral answered back with a spectacular long-range goal in the 103rd minute, leveling the score once again.

Decisive Moments

The contest took a decisive turn in the 111th minute when Diney Borges inadvertently scored an own goal, deflecting Cristian Romero's header into the net. This unfortunate moment secured Argentina's progression, but not without a fight from the Cape Verde side, who impressed in their first-ever World Cup knockout match.

Despite Argentina being the favorites, they struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Messi, who plays club football in Miami for Inter, had a quiet period after his early goal, while Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, made several crucial saves, including key interventions against Messi, keeping his team in contention until the final moments. The match highlighted Cape Verde's impressive performance and resilience, elevating their status in the tournament despite the loss.