Cape Verdes remarkable World Cup journey will face its greatest challenge yet when the African side meet defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 on Friday, June 3, in Miami.The Blue Sharks have already become one of the stories of the tournament after reaching the knockout stages in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance while remaining unbeaten.Now they come up against Lionel Messi and an Argentina side that has looked every bit like a team capable of retaining the world title.Messi continues to lead Argentina chargeArgentina arrive in the knockout rounds after winning all three of their group-stage matches and extending their impressive winning streak to ten games.The South Americans sealed a perfect group campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and have conceded only twice during that run.Once again, much of the attention surrounds Lionel Messi.At 39 years old and competing in his sixth World Cup, the Argentine captain continues to rewrite history. He currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with six goals and recently became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.Playing in Miami is also expected to provide a familiar atmosphere for Messi, who has called the city home since 2023.Cape Verde continue to defy expectationsDespite the scale of the challenge, Cape Verde have already shown they are capable of frustrating major football nations.The African side advanced from a difficult group containing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia without losing a match.Their achievement made them the first debuting nation to reach the knockout stages since Slovakia in 2010 and the first African country to do so since Ghana in 2006.Cape Verde are also the first nation since Chile in 1998 to progress from a World Cup group without recording a victory, having drawn all three of their matches.Goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as one of the cult heroes of the tournament, with the 40-year-old playing a major role in helping the Blue Sharks compete against some of the worlds strongest teams.History and pressure favour ArgentinaThis will be the first meeting between the two nations.History strongly favours Argentina, who have won each of their last seven World Cup matches against African opposition.However, Lionel Scalonis side have often been pushed deep into knockout matches, with seven of their last 13 World Cup knockout ties going to extra time.Cape Verde will hope that resilience and defensive organisation can once again help them challenge one of footballs biggest powers.Match detailsThe match will take place on Friday, 3 July, at Miami Stadium.Kick-off times:Miami 18:00Buenos Aires 19:00Praia 22:00Accra 22:00 GMTThe winner will advance to the Round of 16 to face either Australia or Egypt.
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