Kha Y Tran Lionel Messi made the difference again. The Argentina captain scored a superb goal as his team beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. It was not an easy win. Instead, Cape Verde fought until the final minutes and almost caused a huge upset.
The match in Miami had everything. Fans saw great goals, brilliant saves, and plenty of drama. In the end, Argentina kept their cool and earned a place in the Round of 16.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzvEZ2Vxb94
Argentina control the opening minutes
Argentina started the match with confidence. They kept the ball and pushed forward from the first whistle. Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Thiago Almada moved well across the front line. As a result, Cape Verde had to defend deep.
However, the underdogs stayed organized. Every player worked hard behind the ball. Therefore, Argentina found it difficult to create clear chances.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha also impressed early. He came off his line well and dealt with several dangerous crosses. His saves kept the score level.
Photo: Reuters
Messi scores a brilliant opener
Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Messi picked up the ball near the penalty area. Then he fired a powerful shot into the top corner. Vozinha had no chance to stop it. The goal gave Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead.
After that, the world champions attacked with more confidence. Messi looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernández, Medina, and Lautaro all tested the goalkeeper.
Even so, Vozinha continued to shine. He made several excellent saves before halftime. Thanks to his performance, Cape Verde stayed in the match.
Photo: Reuters
Cape Verde hit back after halftime
The second half looked very different. Argentina slowed down after the break. At the same time, Cape Verde became more confident. They pressed higher and attacked with greater purpose. Their reward came in the 59th minute.
Deroy Duarte found space inside the box and calmly scored to make it 1-1. The equalizer changed the game. Cape Verde believed they could win, while Argentina suddenly looked nervous.
Messi tried to restore the lead. He created chances and forced more saves from Vozinha. However, the goalkeeper refused to give in.
Since neither team scored again, the match went into extra time.
Deroy Duarte equalized the score at 1-1 for Cape Verde against Argentina (Photo: Reuters)
Extra time brings more drama
The game became even more exciting. Argentina struck first once again. In the 93rd minute, Lisandro Martínez finished well to put his team ahead 2-1. However, Cape Verde answered almost immediately.
Lisandro Martínez put Argentina 2-1 up against Cape Verde (Photo: Reuters)
Just ten minutes later, Sidny Cabral scored a stunning long-range goal. His powerful shot flew past Emiliano Martínez and made it 2-2. Once again, the match was level.
Both teams pushed forward. They knew one goal could decide everything.
Sidny Cabral and the Cape Verde players erupted in joy (Photo: Reuters)
Argentina find the winner
Argentina finally got the winning goal in the 111th minute. Cristian Romero headed the ball toward goal. It then hit defender Borges and changed direction before crossing the line. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal. Argentina now led 3-2.
Cape Verde refused to give up. They attacked with everything they had during the final minutes. Even so, Emiliano Martínez stayed calm. He made several important saves and protected Argentina’s lead until the final whistle.
Romero put Argentina 3-2 up against Cape Verde (Photo: Reuters)
Messi shines again
Messi scored only one goal. However, he influenced the match from start to finish. He dropped deep to collect the ball. He started attacks and created space for his teammates. In addition, he kept the Cape Verde defenders under constant pressure.
Although he did not register another assist, his passing and movement helped Argentina stay in control for long periods.
Once again, Messi showed why he remains one of the world’s best players.
(Photo: AP)
Cape Verde leave with pride
Cape Verde may have lost the match, but they won many new fans. They defended with discipline and attacked without fear. More importantly, they came back twice against the defending champions.
Vozinha was their standout player. He made many outstanding saves and almost forced a penalty shootout. Although their World Cup journey is over, Cape Verde can be proud of their performance.
(Photo: AP)
Argentina move into the Round of 16
Argentina are now through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The victory was important. However, it also showed that the team still has room to improve. Their defense looked vulnerable at times, and stronger opponents could punish those mistakes.
Still, Argentina showed great character. They never stopped fighting, even after conceding twice. Meanwhile, Cape Verde leave the tournament with their heads held high. They challenged one of the favorites and pushed them to the limit.
With Messi leading the way, Argentina continue their quest to defend the FIFA World Cup title. If they keep finding ways to win difficult matches, they will remain one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 crown.
Read more:
World Cup 2026: Messi Sets Record in Argentina Win
Cape Verde Secure Historic World Cup Qualification
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