MIAMI, United States – (Sports Desk) Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after defeating debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a thrilling extra-time encounter in the Round of 32.
The highly entertaining contest saw Cape Verde fight back twice before Argentina sealed victory with a dramatic late goal to secure their place in the knockout stage.
Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute through captain Lionel Messi, who netted his seventh goal of the tournament to hand the defending champions an early advantage.
Cape Verde responded in the 59th minute when Duarte found the equaliser. Argentina created two golden opportunities to restore their lead in the second half, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced outstanding saves to keep his side in the game.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Defender Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute with a well-taken finish.
Cape Verde refused to surrender, as Sydney Cabral struck a sensational goal to level the match at 2-2, thrilling the crowd in Miami.
However, the decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Cape Verde defender Danny Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net, gifting Argentina a 3-2 lead.
Cape Verde pressed hard for another equaliser in the closing minutes, but Argentina held firm to advance to the Round of 16.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7, setting up a blockbuster showdown between two of world football’s biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah.
