Defending champions Argentina survived a major upset scare after edging Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, overcoming a spirited performance from the tournament debutants in a thrilling knockout clash.
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Argentina took the lead in the 29th minute when captain Lionel Messi finished calmly after collecting a long pass from Lisandro Martinez. The goal was Messi’s seventh of the tournament and his 20th across six FIFA World Cup appearances, giving the South American side an early advantage.
Cape Verde, making its first appearance at the World Cup, refused to back down and equalised shortly before the hour mark. Midfielder Deroy Duarte controlled a cross inside the penalty area before firing past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to bring the underdogs level and silence much of the crowd.
Neither side found a winner in regulation time, sending the contest into extra time. Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute through a powerful strike from Lisandro Martinez, but Cape Verde responded once again when defender Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a superb effort into the top corner in the 103rd minute.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally secured victory in the second period of extra time. Messi delivered a corner into the box, where Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net for an own goal that proved decisive.
Cape Verde continued to threaten until the final whistle, with Emiliano Martinez producing an important save from a late free-kick to preserve Argentina’s narrow advantage.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread praise for an impressive World Cup debut. Ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, the African nation matched one of football’s traditional powers through disciplined defending, quick passing and determined attacking play. The team had already impressed by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws during the group stage.
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Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cape Verde exits the tournament with its reputation significantly enhanced after pushing the reigning world champions to the limit in one of the competition’s most memorable matches.