Amir Yaseen

Srinagar, July 4

Lionel Messi’s brilliance – and a slice of late fortune – kept Argentina’s FIFA World Cup title defense alive on Friday night.

The defending champions survived a spirited challenge from tournament debutants Cabo Verde, edging the African side 3-2 after extra time in a gripping Round of 32 encounter at Miami Stadium to book a last-16 clash with Egypt.

Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a trademark finish, collecting a perfectly weighted pass from Lisandro Martinez before delicately lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper Vozinha. The strike marked Messi’s 20th FIFA World Cup goal and extended his remarkable scoring streak to a record eight consecutive World Cup matches.

But Cabo Verde refused to be overawed.

After absorbing sustained Argentine possession, the Blue Sharks found their breakthrough in the 59th minute. Midfielder Deroy Duarte finished confidently through Lisandro Martinez’s legs and beyond Emiliano Martinez after a slick attacking move down the right, silencing the heavily pro-Argentina crowd and forcing the match into a tense final half-hour.

Argentina had opportunities to restore their lead before regulation ended, but Vozinha produced several outstanding saves, including a point-blank denial of Messi, to send the contest into extra time.

The South Americans reclaimed the advantage almost immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into extra time, Lisandro Martinez pounced on a loose ball following a corner and hammered home from close range to make it 2-1.

Yet Cabo Verde’s fairytale run still had another chapter.

Left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the tournament’s standout moments in the 103rd minute, curling a spectacular effort into the net from the edge of the penalty area to level the score once again and stun Argentina.

With penalties looming, Messi delivered once more. His dangerous corner in the 111th minute created chaos inside the six-yard box, with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under pressure to hand Argentina a dramatic win.

Messi was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after another influential display, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted Argentina struggled against an inspired opponent.

“I think we couldn’t press them well,” Messi said after the match. “Our lines were kind of far apart at times. They always had an extra man because we couldn’t match up, and that’s why they kept the ball and made us run.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience while acknowledging the quality of Cabo Verde’s performance.

“A really tough match,” Scaloni said. “This team never gives up. And I have to give credit to our opponents. When people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today Cabo Verde proved they’re a great team.”

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Cabo Verde exited the tournament with heads held high after pushing the reigning world champions to the limit.

“We dignify what our country is,” Cabo Verde coach Bubista said. “We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time. More than anything, it’s being proud of our players. We showed our identity.”

Argentina now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cabo Verde depart the tournament after one of the most memorable underdog performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Match information, quotes, and photos courtesy of FIFA.com