Image: from Football Tweet X @Footballtweet
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit before defeating a courageous Cape Verde side 3,2 after extra time on Friday to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches, Cape Verde came from behind twice against the world champions and produced one of the standout goals of the competition before eventually falling in Miami Gardens.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 after the Pharaohs eliminated Australia on penalties earlier in the day.
Messi opens the scoring
Argentina controlled much of the opening half with their trademark patient possession, gradually increasing the pressure on the Cape Verde defence.
Lionel Messi threatened twice before finally breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martínez delivered a precise long pass that released the Argentine captain behind the defence, allowing Messi to control brilliantly before finishing confidently past Vozinha.
It was another milestone for Messi, who made his 30th World Cup appearance and scored his seventh goal of the 2026 tournament, his 20th overall in World Cup history and his eighth consecutive match finding the net.
Despite Argentina’s dominance before the interval, Cape Verde refused to be intimidated.
Cape Verde fights back
The African debutants returned from halftime with renewed belief and were rewarded in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte equalised, stunning the defending champions and shifting the momentum of the match.
Cape Verde defended with discipline while continuing to threaten on the counterattack, forcing the contest into extra time after holding Argentina for the remainder of regulation.
Drama in extra time
Argentina regained the lead almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martínez found the net in the 92nd minute.
Once again, however, Cape Verde refused to surrender.
In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a spectacular long-range strike from the left side that flew into the net, producing what many observers are already calling one of the greatest goals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cape Verde dynamic goal against Argentina. This was the best match of the FIFA World Cup soccer game. Cape Verde represent Africa they showed up. pic.twitter.com/G049VblqlM
— Don Salmon (@dijoni) July 4, 2026
The brilliant effort brought Cape Verde level for a second time and reignited hopes of a historic upset.
Own goal decides thriller
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute.
A dangerous Argentine attack ended with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under pressure, handing the South Americans a heartbreaking but decisive win.
Cape Verde continued attacking until the final whistle and nearly forced another equaliser, but Argentina managed to hold on and secure qualification.
A performance to remember
Although eliminated, Cape Verde left the tournament with enormous credit after matching the defending champions for long periods and demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Coach Bubista’s side twice recovered from deficits, played fearless football throughout extra time and pushed one of the world’s strongest teams to the absolute limit.
Their performance earned widespread admiration and confirmed Cape Verde’s growing status on the international stage.
Argentina prepares for Egypt
Lionel Scaloni’s side advances to face Egypt in what promises to be another demanding knockout clash.
While Argentina remains among the favourites to retain the World Cup, Friday’s dramatic encounter served as a reminder that every opponent in the knockout stage is capable of producing major surprises.
Match Result
Argentina 3,2 Cape Verde, after extra time
Goals
- Argentina: Lionel Messi (29′), Lisandro Martínez (92′), Diney Borges (own goal, 111′)
- Cape Verde: Deroy Duarte (59′), Sidny Lopes Cabral (103′)