Messi offers behind-the-scenes look at Argentina's final preparations
Argentina captain Lionel Messi gave fans a glimpse of his team's training session ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Cabo Verde. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner shared photographs on Instagram on Thursday, showing the defending champions fine-tuning their strategies before the knockout fixture at Miami Stadium.
Defending champions aim to retain World Cup crown
Argentina, under head coach Lionel Scaloni, enter the knockout phase after progressing through the group stage. The team is seeking to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy they won in Qatar in 2022. Messi, 39, has been instrumental in their campaign, combining his experience and leadership with trademark creativity in attack. Argentina will look to build on that momentum against Cabo Verde as the knockout stages begin.
Messi tied for Golden Boot lead
Messi has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the ongoing 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup. He is currently joint-top of the Golden Boot standings with six goals, level with France captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The winner of the encounter will advance to the Round of 16 and move one step closer to lifting the trophy.
The Round of 32 match is scheduled for July 3 (local time), with a place in the next round at stake. Argentina will face Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium, aiming to continue their title defence.
