Argentina advanced to the World Cup 2026 round of 16 after defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Lionel Messi recorded a goal and an assist to help the defending champions overcome a resilient African side.
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Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a left-footed strike following a long pass from Lisandro Martinez.
Cape Verde equalized in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte scored a low, angled shot, forcing the match into extra time after Argentina controlled 63 percent of possession.
In extra time, Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's lead in the 93rd minute, but Cape Verde responded through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who scored from the edge of the penalty box in the 103rd minute.
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Cristian Romero secured the victory for Argentina in the 111th minute by heading in a corner kick delivered by Messi.
During the match, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who recently surpassed Tom Brady by reaching approximately 18 million Instagram followers, denied multiple scoring opportunities from Messi, including a quick free kick executed while the wall was being organized.
Prior to the match, Argentine sports network TYC Sports emphasized the necessity of a victory for the defending champions.
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Argentina will next face Egypt in the round of 16 in Atlanta on July 7, 2026.
