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 became the first player to score at least seven goals at two separate editions of the FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde were eliminated in the Round of 32 as Argentina will continue to Round of 16 to face Egypt. 

Overview 

Argentina played against a side that was up to the task. They had experienced players like Messi and Martinez on their side. Still, Cape Verde was not a team to be underrated, and pushed them to the edge of a penalty shootout before they found the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Initially, Cape Verde played the defence loosely, as Argentina had enough legs in their box to threaten their defence. They defended well, keeping Messi out of dangerous areas, and Vizonha's goalkeeping skill was a big factor, keeping the African Islanders in the game.  

Chances and Defenses 

Cape Verde did a great job, making the most of the chances it had and holding Argentina down to the extra time. Messi had plenty of near misses, particularly the one-on-one encounter with Vozinha in the second half. Another great moment was when he forced Vozinha to make a save of his free-kick. 

Unlike the earlier stages, Cape Verde shored up the Argentine offensive, committing more legs to keeping the penalty area safe. Argentina found Cape Verde's left back as the weak link, scoring two goals from the flank. Messi, however, was directly involved in all three goals scored.