Argentina secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after overcoming a determined Cabo Verde side 3-2 following extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter at Miami Stadium on Friday.
The reigning world champions were forced to battle until the closing stages of extra time before a decisive own goal from Cabo Verde defender Diney Borges settled an entertaining contest. Lionel Messi’s side will now face Egypt in the Round of 16.
Messi Opens the Scoring With Historic Strike
After a closely contested opening period, Argentina found the breakthrough in the 29th minute through captain Lionel Messi.
Lisandro Martínez delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the top of the defense, allowing Messi to control the ball before calmly lifting his finish over advancing goalkeeper Vozinha.
The goal marked Messi’s 20th at FIFA World Cup tournaments, extending his remarkable scoring record and moving him back to the top of the race for the adidas Golden Boot. It also represented his eighth consecutive World Cup match with a goal.
Cabo Verde Produce Deserved Equaliser
Argentina controlled possession for much of the second half but struggled to extend their advantage against a disciplined Cabo Verde defense.
The African side capitalized on one of its best attacking moves in the 59th minute. A swift attack down the right created space inside the penalty area for midfielder Deroy Duarte, who fired a composed finish through the legs of Lisandro Martínez and beyond Emiliano Martínez to make it 1-1.
The equalizer rewarded Cabo Verde’s resilient performance and set up a tense finish.
Goalkeeper Keeps Blue Sharks Alive
Argentina pressed relentlessly for a winner during the closing stages of normal time, with Vozinha producing several crucial saves to frustrate the South American champions.
The experienced goalkeeper denied Messi from close range with an outstanding stop, ensuring the match remained level and forcing the contest into extra time.
Extra Time Delivers More Drama
Argentina regained the lead almost immediately after extra time began.
Just two minutes into the additional period, Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner kick and drove a powerful effort into the net to restore Argentina’s advantage.
However, Cabo Verde refused to surrender.
Left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout goals of the tournament, curling a stunning strike from outside the penalty area beyond Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 2-2 and revive his nation’s hopes of a famous upset.
Own Goal Sends Argentina Through
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute.
Lionel Messi delivered another dangerous corner into the penalty area, where defender Diney Borges inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net under pressure.
The unfortunate own goal proved decisive as Argentina successfully protected their lead during the closing minutes to book their place in the next round.
Messi Earns Player of the Match Honors
Messi was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after another influential performance.
In addition to scoring the opening goal and delivering the corner that led to the winning own goal, the Argentina captain extended his record by scoring in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Egypt Await in Round of 16
Argentina’s victory sets up a Round of 16 meeting with Egypt, who advanced earlier after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout.
While the defending champions remain on course to retain their World Cup title, Cabo Verde departed the tournament with their reputation enhanced after pushing one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the limit in an unforgettable knockout contest.
