2 min readJul 4, 2026 02:46 PM IST
First published on: Jul 4, 2026 at 06:22 AM IST
Argentina escaped by the skin of their teeth in Miami, with Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute strike, later ruled an own goal, sealing a dramatic Round of 16 berth after Cape Verde had pushed the defending champions to the brink at World Cup 2026.
The tiny island nation of Cape Verde played with their hearts out, more than matching the heavyweight Albiceleste, but Lionel Messi’s side kept their composure to eventually come out on top. Argentina will now face Egypt for a place in the quarterfinals.
AS IT HAPPENED | Argentina vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights
Messi had earlier put the reigning champions ahead with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal in the 29th minute. The strike marked his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored a stunning equaliser in the 59th minute, his first international goal, silencing the pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida. It was a preview of what could have been one of the most shocking outcomes in World Cup history had Cape Verde pulled off the upset.
Despite creating several chances, Argentina were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding saves from Messi kept the scores level and forced the match into extra time.
Argentina restored their advantage almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner in the 92nd minute. Yet Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a stunning curling effort in the 103rd minute from a tight angle to make it 2-2 once again.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi’s corner was met by Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net in the 111th minute.
Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral’s powerful free-kick and secure Argentina’s progress.
(With inputs from wire)
Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. (AP) 
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