Messi’s Argentina Edge Cape Verde in World Cup Thriller, Avoiding Major Upset

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, found themselves in a nail-biting encounter against tournament debutants Cape Verde, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory in extra time to advance to the next round. The match, held at the Hard Rock Stadium, was a testament to Cape Verde’s remarkable journey in the tournament, as the smallest nation to ever reach the knockout stage pushed Lionel Messi and his star-studded team to the absolute limit.

Key facts
| Stat | Argentina | Cape Verde |
| ————– | ——— | ———- |
| Final Score | 3 | 2 |
| Half-time Score| 1 | 1 |
| Extra Time Winner | Own Goal | N/A |
| Messi Goals | 1 | 0 |

A Giant Scare for the Albiceleste

Lionel Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score 20 goals in the competition, netting Argentina’s opener in the 29th minute. This seemed to set the tone for a comfortable progression for the South American giants. However, Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world and having already defied expectations by reaching the last 32, refused to be intimidated. They stunned the stadium when Deroy Duarte equalized, assisted by captain Ryan Mendes. The first half ended with the score locked at 1-1, a result few had predicted.

Vozinha’s Heroics and Extra-Time Drama

Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha, put in a commanding performance, denying Messi on multiple occasions, including a crucial one-on-one save and a fingertip save from a free-kick that sent the match into extra time. Argentina eventually took the lead again through Lisandro Martinez in the extra period, only for Cape Verde to respond with a spectacular long-range strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral that leveled the scores once more and sent shockwaves through the stadium.

Own Goal Decides a Classic Encounter

The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero met a Lionel Messi corner, and the ball deflected off Diney Borges for an own goal, ultimately securing the 3-2 victory for Argentina. Despite the late own goal, Cape Verde continued to press, and Argentina’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez was forced into a vital save, while a late chance for Dailon Livramento went begging. The final whistle confirmed Argentina’s passage but highlighted the immense challenge they had just faced.

Cape Verde’s Fairytale Run Ends

Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign, characterized by draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, captured the hearts of many. Coach Bubista’s belief that “the so-called small teams have shown they can compete on the same playing level with the so-called superior teams” was emphatically proven throughout their journey. While their fairytale run has ended, their performance against the reigning champions will be etched in World Cup folklore. Argentina now prepares to face Egypt in the round of 16.

Source: The Athletic Football – Messi’s Argentina avoid biggest World Cup shock as Cape Verde score stunning goal but go out – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7413266/2026/07/03/messi-argentina-world-cup-shock/

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