Argentina dump Cape Verde out of World Cup

Argentina scored twice in extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 encounter at the Miami stadium. Cape Verde had come from behind twice in regulation time and extra-time, Deroy Duarte and Sidny Cabral responded to Lionel Messi’s opener and Lisandro Martinez’s strike, before Diney Borges own […]

Argentina scored twice in extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 encounter at the Miami stadium.

Cape Verde had come from behind twice in regulation time and extra-time, Deroy Duarte and Sidny Cabral responded to Lionel Messi’s opener and Lisandro Martinez’s strike, before Diney Borges own goal from a Christian Romero header sealed the defending World Cup champions’ passage into the next stage in the pulsating, end-to-end encounter.

Both countries engaged in a cagey opening to the match before Argentina took the lead on 29 minutes through Messi. The 39-year-old controlled a deep cross from Lisandro Martinez before slotting the ball beyond Vorzinha for the 1-0 lead with a record eighth consecutive goal. He could have doubled the lead before halftime break but was denied by a point-blank save from the goalkeeper.

Cape Verde gained more confidence going forward and eventually restored parity as Argentina slowed the pace of the match. A quick interchange of passes released Duarte who slammed a low shot beyond Emiliano Martinez for 1-1.

Vozinha made eight saves including two more saves two Messi free kicks, and the defence also chipped in with last-ditch blocks as Cape Verde forced extra time.

Argentina struck in the second minute of extra-time when an Alexis MacAllister’s corner found Martinez at the back post where the defender’s shot found the roof of the net through the near post to put the Albiceleste back in the lead. Cape Verde sprang another surprise with the equalizer, Cabral hitting a curling shot from the edge of the area into the top far corner.

Argentina would have the final say in the match from another corner kick, Romero’s deflected header from Messi’s delivery found the back of the net, while Emiliano Martinez made two crucial saves to ensure Argentina survived a real scare to win 3-2 after 120 minutes.

Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16 stage on June 7.