Argentina vs Cape Verde: Messi Leads 3-2 Extra-Time Thriller
MIAMI GARDENS, United States – Argentina narrowly avoided a historic upset on Friday, surviving a relentless Cape Verde side with a 3-2 victory after extra time to reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
In a match that saw the defending champions pushed to the brink of collapse, a 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges proved to be the difference. Despite the early dominance of Lionel Scaloni’s men, the “Blue Sharks” of Cape Verde refused to vanish, twice coming from behind to stun the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.
Messi’s Milestones and Early Control
The night began as a celebration of Lionel Messi’s enduring legacy. In his 30th World Cup appearance, the Argentine captain opened the scoring in the 29th minute. After a pinpoint long pass from Lisandro Martínez, Messi controlled the ball with a trademark first touch before firing past goalkeeper Vozinha. It was Messi’s eighth consecutive match with a goal and his 20th career World Cup strike.
Argentina controlled the first half with patient possession, but the momentum shifted dramatically after the interval. Bubista’s Cape Verde side emerged for the second half with renewed aggression, finding an equalizer in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte’s low drive slipped through the legs of Lisandro Martínez and past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.
An Extra-Time Thriller
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match moved into a frenetic extra-time period. Argentina regained the lead just two minutes into the restart when Lisandro Martínez pounced on a deflected corner to make it 2-1.
However, the Cape Verdeans delivered the goal of the tournament in the 103rd minute. Sidny Lopes Cabral picked up the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed a spectacular curling effort into the top corner. The “screamer” left the Argentine defense in shock and the stadium in disbelief as the underdogs tied the game once more at 2-2.
Survival by a Thread
The decisive blow came in the 111th minute. Another dangerous Messi corner caused chaos in the box; Cristian Romero’s header took a cruel deflection off defender Diney Borges and trickled into the net.
Even trailing 3-2, Cape Verde launched a final assault. Argentina was forced to “park the bus” as the Africans camped out in the penalty area. Dibu Martínez was called upon to make a fingertip save in the 116th minute to deny Cabral a second miracle goal from a free kick. Argentina held on until the final whistle, exhausted and relieved.
What’s Next?
The victory marks Lionel Scaloni’s 100th game in charge of the national team. While Argentina progresses to face Egypt in the Round of 16, they do so having been pushed to the absolute limit of their physical and mental strength by a Cape Verde team that departs the tournament with their heads held high.
Match Summary
- Final Score: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
- Scorers: Messi (29′), L. Martínez (92′), Borges (111′ OG) | Duarte (59′), Cabral (103′)
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
- Attendance: 64,478
Image: Pexels – Walter Medina Foto
