FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi hails resilient Cabo Verde after Argentina survive extra-time scare to reach Round of 16
Miami, July 4
Defending champions Argentina overcame a determined Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in a gripping FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter in Florida, booking their place in the last 16 after being pushed to the limit by the tournament debutants.
Lionel Messi played a decisive role in Argentina's victory, opening the scoring in regulation time before providing the corner that led to Cristian Romero's extra-time winner. However, after the match, the Argentina captain was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by Cabo Verde, praising the African side for their fearless display.
"We knew this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it's about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for that great performance," Messi told the media after the win.
Cabo Verde, making their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, started brightly and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes before the South American giants gradually asserted control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when Messi produced a moment of quality, expertly controlling Lisandro Martinez's diagonal pass before firing into the roof of the net. The strike was his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Argentina looked comfortable before halftime, but Cabo Verde returned with renewed intensity after the break. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who finished confidently from a tight angle to score his country's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the contest.
Despite creating several chances, Argentina were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding saves from Messi kept the scores level and forced the match into extra time.
Argentina restored their advantage almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner. Yet Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a stunning curling effort from a tight angle to make it 2-2 once again.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi's corner was met by Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net.
Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral's powerful free-kick and secure Argentina's progress.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit the tournament with widespread admiration after an impressive World Cup debut that saw them push the reigning champions to extra time.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Argentina were lucky today. Cabo Verde exposed their defensive weaknesses and could have easily won if not for some controversial deflections. The referee was also too lenient on the Argentine players — that tackle on Ryan Mendes could have been a yellow. But credit to Messi, he's just different gravy. Brazil vs Argentina in the final would be epic!
As a neutral fan, this match gave me goosebumps! Cabo Verde's journey from debutants to pushing Argentina to extra time is a fairy tale. Reminds me of how underdogs can inspire whole nations. Their goal celebrations were pure joy. India can learn so much from their team spirit and never-say-die attitude. Congratulations to both teams! 🇨🇻❤️
Typical Argentina — relying on Messi's magic and then parking the bus. But Cabo Verde deserve a standing ovation. The way their goalkeeper Vozinha kept tipping Messi's shots over the bar was world-class. However, I think Argentina's squad depth will take them far. Egypt next? Expect another tough battle. Ab tak 75, all the best to Argentina!
What a beautiful advertisement for football! This match had everything: goals, drama, upsets, and respect between teams. Messi praising Cabo Verde shows his greatness extends beyond the pitch. As someone who follows Indian football closely, I hope we can reach the World Cup one day and make our nation proud like Cabo Verde did today. 🇮🇳⚽
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