Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to overcome a fearless Cape Verde side after Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 tie.

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but defending champions Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to avoid one of the greatest upsets in tournament history as they edged World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a captivating Round of 32 contest.

Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute header, officially recorded as an own goal off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges, finally separated the teams after the African nation twice fought back to level the match. Argentina progress to the last 16, where they will face Egypt, while Cape Verde exit, having earned widespread admiration for one of the most memorable performances of the tournament.

For Argentina, the victory preserved hopes of retaining the title won in Qatar four years ago. For Cape Verde, defeat marked the end of a historic first FIFA World Cup campaign that has transformed perceptions of one of Africa’s emerging football nations.

The island nation, with a population of just over half a million people, became one of the stories of the expanded 48-team tournament by progressing beyond the group stage on their World Cup debut before pushing the reigning world champions to their limits.

Argentina dominated possession during the opening exchanges but struggled to break through Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive structure. Bubista’s side defended compactly, closed central spaces effectively and looked increasingly dangerous on quick transitions through captain Ryan Mendes and midfielder Deroy Duarte.

Despite the resistance, Argentina eventually found the breakthrough in the 29th minute.

Lisandro Martínez floated a precise pass beyond the defence for Messi, who controlled superbly before rifling his finish high beyond veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.

The goal took Messi’s World Cup tally to 20 across six editions of the tournament, extending another remarkable milestone in one of football’s greatest international careers.

Rather than collapse, Cape Verde grew stronger.

Their confidence on the ball increased after the interval as Argentina’s pressing intensity dropped.

The equaliser arrived in the 59th minute after Ryan Mendes found Deroy Duarte advancing into the penalty area. The midfielder kept his composure before driving his finish beyond Emiliano Martínez to stun the heavily pro-Argentina crowd inside Miami Stadium.

Argentina responded by committing more players forward.

Messi twice came close to restoring the lead, while Vozinha produced another series of outstanding saves that frustrated the South Americans throughout the evening.

The experienced goalkeeper denied Messi from close range, tipped away one trademark free-kick and repeatedly commanded his penalty area with calm authority, underlining why he has been one of Africa’s standout goalkeepers during the competition.

Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the tie into extra time.

Argentina regained the advantage almost immediately after the restart.

Alexis Mac Allister’s corner was flicked into the six-yard box, where Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to smash home from close range in the 92nd minute.

Yet Cape Verde refused to accept defeat.

Eleven minutes later, substitute Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the finest goals of the tournament.

Receiving possession near the left edge of the penalty area, the winger cut inside before curling a magnificent right-footed strike into the top corner beyond Emiliano Martínez.

The spectacular finish sparked joyous celebrations among Cape Verde supporters and reinforced the team’s fearless approach against one of football’s traditional superpowers.

With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute.

Messi delivered another dangerous corner into the penalty area and Romero rose highest to power a header towards goal. The ball struck defender Diney Borges before crossing the line, with the goal later confirmed as an own goal, ending Cape Verde’s dream after one final cruel twist.

Cape Verde still refused to surrender.

Cabral almost forced a penalty shootout from a late free-kick before Emiliano Martínez produced another important save to preserve Argentina’s lead until the final whistle.

While Argentina celebrated qualification, much of the post-match attention centred on Cape Verde’s extraordinary display.

Ranked well below the tournament favourites before kick-off, the Blue Sharks matched the holders for resilience, tactical discipline and determination over 120 minutes. Their organised defensive block frustrated Argentina for long periods, while their pace on the counter-attack consistently exposed spaces behind Scaloni’s advancing full-backs.

Their performance also carried wider significance for African football.

Cape Verde became the only African World Cup debutants to reach the knockout phase of the expanded tournament and demonstrated once again that the gap separating many African nations from the sport’s established powers continues to narrow.

Although eliminated, the Blue Sharks leave the United States with enhanced international credibility and a generation of players who have inspired supporters across Africa and the global Cape Verdean diaspora.

For Argentina, however, the performance also exposed areas requiring improvement.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession and creating more chances, the holders struggled to break down an organised defensive unit and looked vulnerable whenever Cape Verde transitioned quickly into attack.

Those defensive weaknesses may concern coach Lionel Scaloni before the last-16 meeting with Egypt, a side that has impressed with its tactical discipline throughout the tournament.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 · Round of 32

Argentina edge Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time as Messi scores again

Argentina survived a major Cape Verde fightback to reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, winning 3-2 after extra time in Miami Gardens.

Argentina

3–2 After Extra Time

Cape Verde

What Happens Next

• Argentina advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16, where they will play Egypt.
• Cape Verde are eliminated but complete the most successful World Cup campaign in the nation’s history.

Goals

Argentina

• Lionel Messi — 29’
• Lisandro Martínez — 92’ ET
• Diney Borges — 111’ own goal

Cape Verde

• Deroy Duarte — 59’
• Sidny Lopes Cabral — 103’

Key Takeaways

• Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.
• Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament.
• Cape Verde came from behind twice to force extra time.
• Sidny Lopes Cabral scored one of the tournament’s standout goals.
• An own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute decided the tie.
• Goalkeeper Vozinha produced one of the knockout stage’s finest individual displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Argentina vs Cape Verde?

Argentina won 3-2 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Who scored for Argentina?

Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martínez and a Diney Borges own goal gave Argentina their three goals.

Who do Argentina play next?

Argentina advance to the last 16, where they will play Egypt.