Lionel Messi reached another historic milestone by scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as defending champions Argentina survived a spirited Cape Verde fightback to claim a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
A heartbreaking 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges finally ended Cape Verde’s remarkable resistance, denying the tournament debutants one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after they pushed the holders to the brink in a thrilling Round of 32 clash in Miami.
Messi’s composed first-half finish—his seventh goal in just four matches at the 2026 World Cup—put Argentina ahead and strengthened his bid for another Golden Boot as the Albiceleste eventually set up a last-16 meeting with Egypt in Atlanta.
Cape Verde push world champions to the limit
Cape Verde once again underlined why they have been one of the tournament’s revelations.
After holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to qualify for the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance, the Blue Sharks produced another fearless display against the reigning world champions.
Deroy Duarte brought the African side level just after the hour mark, forcing Lionel Scaloni’s men into an unexpectedly demanding battle in the sweltering Miami heat.
Argentina restored their advantage early in extra time through Lisandro Martínez, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to produce a sensational equaliser with a thunderous strike into the top corner.
With a penalty shootout looming, Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero met Messi’s corner with a towering header that deflected off Borges and into the net for a cruel own goal.
Messi reaches another World Cup milestone
Messi’s opener not only inspired Argentina’s victory but also made him the first player to reach 20 World Cup goals, further cementing his place among the competition’s all-time greats.
Back in Miami, where he plays club football for Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was cheered throughout by a crowd of nearly 65,000, the majority dressed in Argentina’s famous sky-blue and white colours.
Scaloni hails resilient Argentina
Despite progressing, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had been fortunate to overcome the tournament’s surprise package.
“It would have been madness to lose a match like this,” Scaloni said after his 100th match in charge of Argentina.
“It was a very tough match. You always have to take the positives because this team never gives up.
“We have to congratulate our opponents. When people say there are no easy opponents, Cape Verde proved today they are a great team.
“We finished very tired because they gave absolutely everything.”
Cape Verde leave with heads held high
Although their dream run came to an agonising end, Cape Verde departed the tournament with immense pride after one of the finest World Cup campaigns by an African debutant.
Head coach Bubista had described the showdown with Argentina as “the game of our lives,” and his players more than justified that billing, earning admiration worldwide with a fearless display that almost produced one of football’s greatest World Cup shocks.
Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta on 7 July as they continue their defence of the World Cup title, while Cape Verde return home, having captured the imagination of football fans across the globe.
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