Argentina were pushed to the limit by a brilliant Cape Verde side with incredible levels of resilience and needed an extra-time own goal, to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina opened the scoring at the Miami Stadium in the 29th minute when Martinez lofted a long ball over the top of the defence to the feet of Messi.
The 39-year-old maestro took a touch with the outside of his left boot and buried it in the roof of goalkeeper Vozinha’s net for his 20th goal over six editions of football’s global showpiece.
Cape Verde had hoped to frustrate Argentina as they did Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in group-stage draws, but were caught off-guard. However, the Africans were determined not to give up with their never-say-die attitude, while showing no shortage of quality.
Just before the hour mark, though, Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes was freed down the right, his pass into the box found Dutch-born midfielder Deroy Duarte, who controlled the ball with his left foot before drilling it past Martinez with his right. 1-1!!
Messi had a chance to put Argentina back in front four minutes later when he was played through on goal, but Vozinha stood up well to keep his shot out of the net.
One of Messi’s trademark free kicks was tipped away by goalkeeper Vozinha in the 72nd minute and Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes had to intervene to prevent Enzo Fernandez scoring 10 minutes later.
However, Cape Verde held on to force the dramatic period of extra time
In the second minute of the first period of extra time, Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez thought he had won the match when he lashed a sumptuous shot into the roof of the net. 2-1!!!
However, Cape Verde were not done yet as left back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net to put the scores back on level terms at 2-2.
Cape Verde, playing in their first global finals, twice came from a goal behind against defending champions Argentina.
Six minutes into the second period of extra time, however, Messi swung a corner into the box and Cristian Romero rose to head home off the arm of Cape Verde’s Diney Borges. 3-2!!!
Lopes Cabral could have equalised again after the decisive own goal, but his finely struck free kick was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had to be at his best to deny Cape Verde in the dying minutes.
Cape Verde were beaten but far from outclassed by the three-time world champions as they put in a fourth magnificent display of teamwork and grit in their debut World Cup.
“The match was incredibly tough. You always have to take the positive, and it’s that this team never gives up,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was overseeing his 100th match in charge of the Albiceleste.
“I want to congratulate our opponents. Today they showed they are a great team. When it is said there are no easy matches in the World Cup, it’s true.”
The victory secures Argentina a date with Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday.
