Argentina booked their spot in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The defending champions struggled to break down a disciplined Cape Verde defense in the first half.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, controlling a long pass from Lisandro Martinez and beating goalkeeper Vozinha.
Cape Verde equalized in the 61st minute when Deroy Duarte capitalized on a passive Argentine defense to score from a Ryan Mendes pass, forcing the match into extra time.
Extra-Time Drama
Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute as Lisandro Martinez scored from a corner kick scramble.
Cape Verde leveled again in the 103rd minute through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot into the top corner.
The decisive goal arrived in the 111th minute.
A Lionel Messi corner kick led to a header by Cristian Romero, which deflected off defender Diney Borges into the net as an own goal.
With this victory, Argentina fulfilled their obligation to advance and are scheduled to face Egypt in the next round.
