Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare from World Cup debutants Cabo Verde, edging out the resilient African side 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday.
Cabo Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, pushed Lionel Messi’s side to the limit before Argentina finally sealed their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.
The Blue Sharks showed no signs of nerves in their maiden World Cup knockout appearance. Ryan Mendes forced an early save from Emiliano Martinez before Argentina gradually settled into the contest through the influence of Messi.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Messi latched onto a perfectly weighted diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez, brought it under control with trademark composure and blasted his finish into the roof of the net. The strike was his seventh of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings and handing Argentina a deserved halftime lead.
Cabo Verde responded brilliantly after the interval. Just before the hour mark, Mendes slipped Deroy Duarte through on goal, and the forward calmly drilled a low finish into the bottom corner to score his country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the scores.
Argentina dominated the closing stages of normal time, but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced a string of outstanding saves to deny Messi and Enzo Fernandez, including a spectacular stop to keep out a curling free-kick destined for the top corner.
With neither side able to find a winner, the contest moved into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead moments after the restart when Lisandro Martinez volleyed home from close range following a corner. Yet Cabo Verde refused to fade away, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing another stunning equaliser, curling a sensational strike into the top corner from a tight angle to silence the Argentine supporters.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time. Messi’s corner found Cristian Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net to restore Argentina’s lead at 3-2.
Cabo Verde nearly forced a penalty shootout in the closing minutes, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral’s fierce free-kick, ensuring Argentina held on for victory.
While Argentina march on to face Egypt in the Round of 16, Cabo Verde exit the tournament with heads held high after a remarkable debut World Cup campaign that earned admiration for their fearless performances against some of the world’s biggest footballing nations.
