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.
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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.
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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.
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With this victory, Argentina fulfilled their obligation to advance and are scheduled to face Egypt in the next round.
