#FIFAWorldCup2026: Messi's Argentina Edge Past Resilient Cape Verde in 5-Goal Extra-Time Thriller

Lionel Messi leads Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, setting up a Round of 16 clash with Egypt

Jul 04, 2026 - 12:06

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#FIFAWorldCup2026: Messi's Argentina Edge Past Resilient Cape Verde in 5-Goal Extra-Time Thriller

Miami: Defending champions Argentina survived a massive scare to book their spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, narrowly defeating debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a grueling 124-minute blockbuster at the Miami Stadium. Lionel Messi’s men were pushed to their absolute limits by the underdogs but eventually found a way to secure passage into the pre-quarterfinals, where they will face Egypt.

The high-stakes Round of 32 clash saw regular time end in a 1-1 deadlock. Football maestro Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, putting La Albiceleste ahead 1-0. However, Cape Verde refused to back down and equalized in the 59th minute through a brilliant strike by Duarte, forcing the game into extra time.

The drama intensified in the extra period. Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez found the back of the net. Yet, Cape Verde roared back once again as Lopes Cabral capitalised on an opportunity to level the score at 2-2.

The heartbreaking moment for Cape Verde came in the 111th minute. A sharp corner delivered by Messi deflected off a Cape Verdean defender for an 'own goal', sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the reigning world champions.

With his opening goal in the match, Lionel Messi took his tournament tally to 7 goals. The legendary forward also scripted football history by becoming the first player ever to score in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.

Reflecting on the grueling contest in the Miami heat, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dismissed any notions of taking lesser-known football nations lightly.

"These are knockout matches, and nobody hands you anything on a platter," Messi said after the match. "Some people might judge teams based on their names and call them weak, but we knew from the start that this would be a difficult battle."

The skipper praised his team’s resilience for grinding out a result despite not playing their absolute best football. Looking ahead, Messi emphasized the need for recovery before their next big test.

Argentina will now lock horns with Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt advanced to the pre-quarterfinals after defeating Australia in a tense penalty shootout. The highly anticipated knockout match is scheduled to take place on July 7 at 9:30 PM IST.

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