Defending champions Argentina survived a remarkable challenge from tournament debutants Cabo Verde, edging the Blue Sharks 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
Twice pegged back by a fearless Cabo Verde side, Lionel Scaloni’s men eventually found the breakthrough in extra time to seal a dramatic victory and set up a Round of 16 meeting with Egypt.
Argentina controlled possession from the outset and nearly opened the scoring inside the opening quarter-hour when Lionel Messi found space inside the box, only to fire narrowly wide from a tight angle.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 29th minute. Lisandro Martínez spotted Messi’s run with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the captain to finish clinically and hand Argentina a deserved lead. The goal also extended Messi’s remarkable record by scoring in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Enzo Fernández almost doubled the advantage before the interval, but Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced another fine save to keep his side within touching distance.
The African underdogs emerged after the break with renewed belief. Emiliano Martínez denied Deroy Duarte’s fierce long-range effort early in the second half, but the midfielder made no mistake with his next opportunity, drilling a low strike into the far corner to restore parity.
Argentina responded with wave after wave of attacks. Messi was denied in a one-on-one by the outstanding Vozinha before the Cabo Verde goalkeeper also pushed away a dangerous free-kick from the Argentine captain. Nicolás Molina’s dangerous cutback was intercepted just before Enzo Fernández could apply the finishing touch, while another Messi free-kick in stoppage time was brilliantly kept out to force extra time.
Argentina regained the lead early in extra time when Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest after a corner to fire home from close range. Yet Cabo Verde refused to surrender. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, weaving past defenders before curling a superb strike into the far corner to level the contest at 2-2 once again.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive moment in the 111th minute. Messi’s corner created panic inside the six-yard box, and defender Diney Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, sending the holders through to the last 16.
Argentina will now face Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals, while Cabo Verde bows out after a memorable debut campaign that captured the imagination by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Despite the defeat, the Blue Sharks earned widespread admiration after twice coming from behind to push the world champions to the brink in one of the tournament’s most captivating encounters.