By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 04, 2026 04:05 AM • 515 views
MIAMI — Reigning world champions Argentina were pushed to the brink on Friday by a relentlessly courageous Cape Verde side, before escaping with a 3-2 extra-time victory and a place in the World Cup round of 16.
For long stretches, it felt as though the greatest upset in modern tournament history was being written. Making their debut on the world stage, Cape Verde—ranked 67th globally—stared down a two-goal deficit, answering each setback with technical brilliance and tactical discipline. Lionel Messi’s wicked, swinging corner six minutes into the second period of extra time ultimately settled it. Cristian Romero rose to meet the delivery, and the ball deflected off the arm of Blue Sharks defender Diney Borges into the net, setting up a date for Argentina against Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.
The victory was a historic milestone for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, marking his 100th match at the helm of the Albiceleste. His celebrations, however, were subdued and replaced by relief.
"The match was incredibly tough. You always have to take the positive, and it's that this team never gives up," Scaloni admitted afterwards. "I want to congratulate our opponents. Today, they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it's true."
Argentina’s evening had initially promised a more routine passage when Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martinez unlocked the rigid Cape Verde structure with a perfectly weighted lofted ball over the defensive line. The 39-year-old maestro tamed it with the outside of his left boot before smashing a clinical finish into the roof of Vozinha’s net. It was Messi’s seventh goal of this campaign and his 20th across six separate World Cup finals.
Outside their talisman, Argentina lacked creative sparks and were continually stifled by Cape Verde’s deep block and the sweeping play of libero Kevin Pina. Cape Verde did more than defend, countering with neat, incisive pass-and-move combinations.
The equaliser arrived just before the hour mark. Captain Ryan Mendes was unleashed down the right flank, driving a low cross into the penalty area. Dutch-born midfielder Deroy Duarte controlled it beautifully with his left before ruthlessly drilling a right-footed strike past Emiliano Martinez, sending the underdog contingent into absolute raptures.
Argentina threw everything forward in response. Messi was denied in quick succession—first by a brave, sprawling block from Vozinha in a one-on-one situation, and later by the goalkeeper's fingertips turning away a trademark free-kick. Ten minutes from time, Pico Lopes produced a desperate, goal-saving interception to deny Enzo Fernandez, ensuring the minnows pushed the champions into a gruelling extra period.
The drama only amplified in extra time. Just two minutes into the restart, Lisandro Martinez looked to have settled nerves when he latched onto a loose ball and lashed a rising shot into the roof of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any knockout match, but Cape Verde’s resilience knew no bounds. They won a pocket of space on the edge of the Argentine box, where left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled an exquisite strike directly into the top corner to make it 2-2.
The self-inflicted heartbreak of Borges’ subsequent own goal could have broken the African side, but they fought until the final whistle. In the dying seconds, Lopes Cabral curled a venomous free-kick toward the near post, forcing Emiliano Martinez to produce a spectacular full-stretch diving save to preserve Argentina's fragile lead.
Argentina moves on to Atlanta, while Cape Verde departs the United States as heroes after holding Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to draws during a fairytale group stage.
"I'm proud of my team, the work they've put in," said Cape Verde coach Bubista. "We must take pride in what we've done for our country. To be able to play the way we did against the world champions and draw level twice is incredible. More than anything, we must be proud of what we've achieved. This World Cup has done justice to our efforts. It has shown our character. It's a shame to lose, but it was incredible."
