Argentina faced a much tougher test than expected in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team secured a place in the last 16 with a 3-2 victory thanks to Cristian Romero’s winning goal in extra time.
Cape Verde played confident football from the start in the match held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. However, in the 29th minute of the match, Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead with a brilliant left-footed shot from a perfect through pass by Lisandro Martinez.
Despite leading 1-0 at half-time, Cape Verde equalized in the 59th minute of the second half when Laros Duarte beat Emiliano Martinez with a low shot from Ryan Mendes’ cutback.
With no further goals scored in the scheduled 90 minutes, the match went into extra time.
Extra time thrills
At the start of extra time, Lisandro Martinez scored from a corner in the 93rd minute to put Argentina ahead again.
But Cape Verde did not give up. In the 104th minute, Sidney Cabral equalized 2-2 with a great shot from inside the box from a pass by Yannick Semedo.
Argentina had the last laugh as the match headed into a tiebreaker. Cristian Romero headed home a powerful header from Messi’s corner to give the team a 3-2 victory.
Messi’s record night
Lionel Messi took his World Cup goal tally to 20 by scoring in this match. He also achieved the rare feat of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
This was Messi’s 30th appearance at the World Cup, the most in the tournament’s history. The Argentine captain also set a new record by starting in the World Cup for the 27th time.
Cape Verde’s commendable fight
Cape Verde, who were knocked out of the World Cup for the first time, posed a tough challenge to Argentina throughout the match. They proved that they are capable of competing on equal terms against big teams by coming back to equalise several times.
However, in the end, world champion Argentina secured victory through experience and set-pieces.
Match result
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (extra time)
Argentina’s goal:
Lionel Messi (29′)
Lisandro Martinez (93′)
Cristian Romero (108′)
Cape Verde goals:
Laros Duarte (59′)
Sidney Cabral (104′)