Messi Scores: Argentina Escape Cape Verde Scare To Reach World Cup Last 16

Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare from tournament debutants Cape Verde to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Lionel Messi once again proved decisive, scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina edged past a resilient Cape Verde side that pushed the South American giants to their limits in sweltering conditions in Miami.

Argentina entered the knockout contest as overwhelming favourites but found themselves tested by a Cape Verde team that continued its remarkable fairytale run on football's biggest stage. Messi opened the scoring with a moment of trademark brilliance, bringing the ball under exquisite control before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. The strike also marked his seventh goal of the tournament in just four matches, underlining the veteran forward's enduring influence as Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles.

Despite falling behind, Cape Verde refused to be intimidated and gradually grew into the contest with disciplined defending and determined pressing. Their persistence was rewarded on the hour mark when Deroy Duarte found the equaliser, finishing confidently to stun the Argentine supporters. The goal shifted the momentum and forced Lionel Scaloni's side to expend far more energy than anticipated in the oppressive Miami heat. Argentina dominated possession for long spells but struggled to break down a Cape Verde defence that continued to frustrate the reigning champions.

Also Read: Lionel Messi To Begin On Bench As Argentina Face Jordan In FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Game

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time. Argentina restored their advantage early in the additional period when defender Lisandro Martinez capitalised on sustained pressure to put his side back in front. However, Cape Verde's remarkable resilience shone through once again. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, unleashing a stunning strike that rocketed into the top corner to make it 2-2 and reignite hopes of a famous upset.

As the match entered its closing stages, Argentina turned to their captain once more. Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, where Cristian Romero rose highest to meet the cross with a powerful header. The effort took a decisive deflection off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges before finding the back of the net, with the own goal ultimately proving to be the match-winner. Argentina held firm in the remaining minutes to seal a hard-earned victory and avoid one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Although Cape Verde's World Cup journey came to an end, the African nation's spirited performance earned widespread admiration. They matched the defending champions for long periods, demonstrated remarkable resilience, and twice fought back against one of the favourites for the title. Their historic campaign showcased the rapid progress of football in the country and provided one of the standout stories of the tournament.

For Argentina, the victory keeps alive their hopes of successfully defending the World Cup crown, but the performance also highlighted areas requiring improvement before the tougher challenges that await in the knockout stages. Messi's leadership and clinical finishing once again proved decisive, while Romero's late intervention ensured Argentina's campaign continues. The defending champions now advance to the Round of 16, where they will look to build on the result and deliver a more convincing display as the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title intensifies.

Also Read: Argentina Await As Cape Verde Seal Historic Place In FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage