Argentina were pushed to their absolute limits before securing the penultimate place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, edging tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a captivating knockout clash.

Despite entering the contest as overwhelming favourites, the three-time world champions quickly discovered they were facing an inspired opponent determined to make history. Although Argentina controlled possession from the opening whistle, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Lionel Messi produced the first real threat in the 15th minute, drifting into the penalty area before sending his effort narrowly wide of the far post.

The breakthrough eventually arrived on the half-hour mark. Lisandro Martínez threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Messi, who killed the ball with his first touch before clinically poking his finish beyond the goalkeeper with his second. The strike made it 1-0 and marked the legendary captain's 20th goal at the FIFA World Cup, extending yet another remarkable record.

Cape Verde emerged from the break with renewed belief and immediately tested the reigning world champions. In the 54th minute, Duarte unleashed a powerful long-range effort that forced an excellent save from Emiliano Martínez. Five minutes later, however, the goalkeeper was finally beaten. A clever through ball from Mendes released Duarte, who rifled an unstoppable strike from a tight angle to level the score at 1-1.

The remainder of normal time became a fascinating duel between Lionel Messi and Vozinha. In the 63rd minute, Lautaro Martínez sent his captain clean through on goal, but the Cape Verde goalkeeper somehow denied the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ten minutes later, Messi curled a quickly taken free-kick towards the top corner, only for Vozinha to produce another outstanding save. The Argentine playmaker then turned provider, but Lopes intercepted a dangerous low cross before Julián Álvarez could apply the finishing touch.

With neither side able to find a late winner, the tie moved into extra time, where Argentina struck almost immediately. Following a corner, Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and smashed an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle to restore his side's advantage.

Yet Cape Verde refused to bow out quietly. Ten minutes later, Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, curling a sensational strike from the edge of the area into the far top corner before celebrating emotionally with his partner in the stands. It was another unforgettable moment for the tournament newcomers, bringing the score back to 2-2.

The decisive blow arrived in the 111th minute. Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that was met by Cristian Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off a defender's hand before finding the bottom corner. The assist was Messi's ninth in FIFA World Cup history, setting another all-time tournament record for the Argentine superstar.

Cape Verde continued to fight until the final whistle and came agonisingly close to forcing a penalty shootout. Cabral nearly repeated his earlier masterpiece with a superb free-kick in the 116th minute, but Emiliano Martínez produced a spectacular save to tip the ball away from under the crossbar. Deep into stoppage time, the Argentine goalkeeper made one final decisive intervention, racing off his line to deny Benchimol and preserve his side's slender advantage.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 3-2 victory for Argentina, who remain on course to defend their world title. As for Cape Verde, the tournament debutants leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup with immense credit, having earned admiration across the world.

World Cup 2026

Argentina - Cape Verde 3:2 (1:0)
Goals: Messi, 29 (1:0); Duarte L., 59 (1:1); Martínez L., 92 (2:1); Cabral S., 103 (2:2); Romero C., 111 (3:2)

Argentina: Martinez E.; Martínez Li.; Romero C.; Medina F. (Tagliafico, 86); Molina N. (Montiel, 105); Fernandez E.; De Paul (Paredes L., 84); Mac Allister A.; Almada (Gonzalez N., 63); Martínez L. (Álvarez Jul., 63); Messi
Substitution: Gonzalez N. (from 63); Álvarez Jul. (from 63); Paredes L. (from 84); Tagliafico (from 86); Montiel (from 105)
Bench: Musso; Rulli; Barco; Senesi; Otamendi; Lo Celso; Palacios Ex.; Nico Paz; López José; Simeone G-o
Yellow Cards: Montiel 115

Cape Verde: Vozinha; Cabral S.; Diney Borges; Lopes Ro.; Moreira St.; Pina K. (Benchimol, 100); Duarte D. (Semedo W., 100); Duarte L. (Monteiro Ja., 67); Cabral J. (Varela H., 80); Da Costa (Livramento, 67); Mendes R. (Semedo Y., 80)
Substitution: Monteiro Ja. (from 67); Livramento (from 67); Semedo Y. (from 80); Varela H. (from 80); Semedo W. (from 100); Benchimol (from 100)
Bench: Rosa M.; Dos Santos; Pina W.; Costa Lo.; Pires; Stopira; Arcanjo; Joao Paulo; Rodrigues G.
Yellow Cards: Pina K. 68