Key Takeaways:
- Argentina overcame Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the round of 32 in Florida on their record 12th World Cup match extended beyond 90 minutes
- Lionel Messi netted his seventh goal of the tournament, moving ahead in the Golden Boot standings
- Cape Verde exited their maiden World Cup knockout stage appearance with their first defeat of the campaign
Match Summary
Argentina were thoroughly tested by Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 encounter in Florida, requiring extra time for a record 12th time in tournament history before prevailing 3-2. Cape Verde, impressing on their debut appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds as the lowest-ranked team remaining, showed early belief. Ryan Mendes’ shot forced Emiliano Martinez into action with a deflection, but Argentina gradually asserted their authority as Lionel Messi first missed narrowly, before firing a free-kick directly at Vozinha.
Argentina's extra time winner sends them to the Round of 16! 👏#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2026
The breakthrough arrived before the 30-minute mark. Messi exquisitely brought down Lisandro Martínez’s lofted diagonal pass and finished decisively into the roof of the net, notching his seventh strike of the campaign to claim the lead in the Golden Boot race.
Cape Verde’s Tenacity and Argentina’s Trials
Argentina searched for a second before the interval, with Enzo Fernandez’s impressive first-time effort from the edge of the area drawing a fine save from Vozinha. Nonetheless, Cape Verde reached half-time just a goal down.
The extended break served the Blue Sharks well, sparking new energy. Deroy Duarte forced Emi Martínez into a sharp save from distance as Cape Verde pressed. Their reward came just before the hour mark when Mendes supplied Duarte, who drove a low finish into the far corner, securing Cape Verde’s maiden World Cup knockout stage goal and levelling proceedings.
Messi nearly restored Argentina’s advantage instantly, but Vozinha thwarted his attempt from point-blank range. The Cape Verdean goalkeeper excelled once more, acrobatically keeping out Messi’s inventive free-kick as the match stayed finely poised into the hydration break.
There was further danger as Pico Lopes narrowly avoided an own goal, deflecting Nahuel Molina’s cross mere inches wide of his own upright. Argentina failed to capitalise in the closing stages, as Cape Verde resolutely forced the contest into extra time.
Extra Time Delivers More Drama
Within minutes of the restart, Argentina snatched the lead again. A set-piece fell to Lisandro Martinez at the back post, and after providing the earlier assist, the defender fired emphatically into the top corner.
The Blue Sharks responded almost immediately through a moment of brilliance from Sidny Lopes Cabral, who curled an extraordinary effort from a difficult angle into the far corner – a strong contender for goal of the tournament. Messi strove to tip the balance again, but Vozinha was equal to his attempt, ensuring the sides went into the interval of extra time level at 2-2.
The decisive moment transpired when Argentina’s other centre-half, Cristian Romero, got on the end of a Messi corner. The delivery received a slight touch from Diney Borges before nestling in the net, restoring Argentina’s advantage for the third time. Cape Verde, refusing to surrender, nearly found another spectacular equaliser as Lopes Cabral unleashed a powerful free-kick, but Emi Martinez stood firm.
Argentina progress to the round of 16, where Egypt await, while Cape Verde bow out after a milestone campaign full of heart and historic moments.
