Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 clash at Hard Rock Stadium, securing their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defending champions made a bright start and took the lead through Lionel Messi, who produced a superb finish to put La Albiceleste ahead in the first half.
Cape Verde refused to back down and found a deserved equaliser in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte fired home to send the match into extra time after the scores remained level at the end of regulation.
Argentina regained the advantage just three minutes into extra time as Lisandro Martínez found the back of the net to make it 2-1.
The Blue Sharks responded once again, with Sidney Lopes Cabral producing a stunning strike in the 103rd minute to restore parity and keep their World Cup dream alive.
However, Argentina had the final say when Cape Verde defender Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, handing Lionel Scaloni’s side a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The win sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt on July 7, while Cape Verde bow out after an impressive campaign in which they pushed the reigning world champions all the way.
