Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over tournament surprise package Cape Verde at Miami Stadium.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle and almost took an early lead. In the 18th minute, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha comfortably collected Lionel Messi's free-kick. The Sharks' resistance finally ended in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martínez delivered a superb pass to Messi, who controlled the ball brilliantly before finishing with precision to make it 1-0. Despite controlling the first half almost entirely, Argentina went into the break with only a one-goal advantage.
Cape Verde came out with much more attacking intent after halftime and found an equalizer in the 59th minute. Ryan Mendes provided a perfect assist for Dailon Duarte, who finished confidently to level the score at 1-1.
Argentina responded with wave after wave of attacks. In the 63rd minute, the 40-year-old Vozinha denied Messi in a one-on-one situation. Ten minutes later, the veteran goalkeeper produced another spectacular save to keep out Messi's brilliant free-kick after the Argentine captain attempted to catch him off guard during the defensive wall setup. Vozinha also stopped Leandro Paredes' powerful effort in stoppage time and denied another low Messi free-kick to force the match into extra time.
Argentina finally restored their lead in the second minute of stoppage time when Lisandro Martínez unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net, giving the Albiceleste a 2-1 advantage.
However, Cape Verde refused to give up. In the 103rd minute, Sidney Lopes Cabral scored a stunning long-range goal to make it 2-2, leaving both players and fans in disbelief.
With penalties looming, Argentina found the decisive goal in the second half of extra time. Messi's corner was met by Cristian Romero, whose powerful header sealed a 3-2 victory for the world champions. However, after a review, it was confirmed that the final touch came off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges, and the goal was officially credited as an own goal by Borges.
Cape Verde nearly forced another dramatic equalizer in the 117th minute, but Emiliano Martínez produced an excellent save to deny Lopes Cabral from a dangerous free-kick and preserve Argentina's lead until the final whistle.
Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 on 7th July at Atlanta Stadium.
