Defending champions Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over tournament debutants Cabo Verde in Florida. Lionel Messi played a pivotal role, scoring the opener and setting up the winning goal, but he was quick to commend the African side for their fearless performance.
Messi's decisive contribution
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, controlling a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez and firing into the roof of the net. It was his seventh goal of the tournament, putting him atop the Golden Boot standings. However, Cabo Verde equalized just before the hour mark through Deroy Duarte, who finished from a tight angle after a pass from Ryan Mendes. The goal was Cabo Verde's first-ever in a World Cup knockout stage.
Despite Argentina creating several chances, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha made outstanding saves to deny Messi and keep the score level, forcing the match into extra time.
Extra-time drama
Argentina restored their lead early in extra time when Lisandro Martinez scored from close range following a corner. But Cabo Verde responded again, with Sidny Lopes Cabral curling a stunning effort from a tight angle to make it 2-2. The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi's corner was met by Cristian Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges and found the net.
Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez made a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral's powerful free-kick, securing Argentina's progress.
Messi praises Cabo Verde
After the match, Messi acknowledged the challenge posed by Cabo Verde. "We knew this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it's about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for that great performance," he told the media.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit the tournament with widespread admiration after pushing the reigning champions to the limit in their World Cup debut.
