Argentina Edges Cape Verde In World Cup Thriller
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in an extra-time thriller at the 2026 World Cup in Miami, with Lionel Messi providing crucial assists in the Round of 32 match.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match took place at Miami Stadium in the United States on the morning of July 4, 2026, with defending champion Argentina facing Cape Verde.
Argentina took the lead 1-0 in the 29th minute through a brilliant play by Lionel Messi, scoring his seventh World Cup goal. Argentina continued creating chances while Cape Verde relied on counter-attacks until the 69th minute, when Diroy Duarte surprised everyone with an equalizer to make it 1-1.
In the remaining regular time, Argentina pressed for a winner but Cape Verde held firm, forcing the match to extra time with both teams level at 1-1.
During extra time, Argentina regained the lead 2-1 in the 92nd minute when Messi took a corner kick into the box, and Lisandro Martinez struck the ball past the near post. The match continued until the 103rd minute, when Cape Verde struck again in another stunning moment. Sidney Lopez Cabral took a long-range shot that curved beautifully into the far post to equalize at 2-2.
Argentina then reasserted control, and in the 111th minute, Messi crossed from a corner for Cristian Romero to head home, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead and ultimately the victory.
