MIAMI: Defending champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the greatest upsets in sporting history, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde after extra time in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Played at the Miami Stadium in Florida, the high-stakes knockout encounter pushed Lionel Scaloni’s side to their absolute limits as the resilient African underdogs twice fought their way back from behind to force the game into extra time.
Returning to the starting lineup after resting in the final group game, talisman Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, slotting home a clinical opening goal that marked his 20th career World Cup goal and propelled him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. However, Cape Verde responded valiantly in the second half, evening the score in the 58th minute through a precise strike from Deroy Duarte. The intense battle remained locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation, setting up an unpredictable extra-time period.
The drama escalated in extra time as Argentina quickly reclaimed the lead through a 91st-minute goal by defender Lisandro Martínez, only for Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral to stun the stadium with a sensational curling effort into the top corner in the 102nd minute. The decisive blow finally arrived in the 110th minute of the second half of extra time, when a sharp Argentinian set-piece forced an own goal from Cape Verde defender Diney. With this narrow victory, Argentina books their place in the Round of 16—where they are scheduled to face Egypt in Atlanta on July 7—while the Blue Sharks exit the competition with their heads held high after a truly historic debut campaign.
