Argentina survived a determined challenge from Cabo Verde to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The defending champions opened the scoring after the first hydration break when Lionel Messi collected a precise pass from Lisandro Martinez before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Vozinha. The goal marked Messi’s 20th at the FIFA World Cup and gave Argentina an early advantage.
Cabo Verde responded after the interval with an impressive attacking move. Deroy Duarte found space inside the penalty area and finished through the legs of Lisandro Martinez and beyond Emiliano Martinez to level the score.
Argentina continued to press, but Vozinha produced several important saves, including a close-range stop to deny Messi, forcing the contest into extra time.
Just two minutes into the additional period, Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead by reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner and firing home at the near post.
Cabo Verde refused to surrender and equalised once again through Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose curling strike from the edge of the area was one of the standout goals of the match.
With ten minutes remaining in extra time, Messi’s corner created the decisive moment as Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net. The victory sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in their next FIFA World Cup fixture.
