FIFA 2026: Argentina Claim Hard-fought Victory Against Cape Verde To Reach Round of 16
Argentina fought tooth and nail to beat Cape Verde 3-2, playing through extra time before securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Messi was making his 30th appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals, and he extended his goal tally to 20, the highest in the tournament's history. However, Cape Verde stood up to the pressure of playing against the South American side, despite making their World Cup debut. Cape Verde conceded the first goal from Messi in the first half. The striker was left unmarked as Lautaro Martinez's cross arrived, and he blasted home the ball from inside the six-yard box. Deroy Duarte leveled the scores for Cape Verde, heading into the net Mendes' cross in the second half. As the game proceeded into extra time, Martinez scored Argentina's second goal before Lopez Cabral curled home sensational 20-yard shot to level terms for Cape Verde. Argentina snatched the victory as Diney's aerial clearance was deflected into the net. Messi...
