Argentina Survives Cabo Verde Scare to Reach Round of 16
Photo: REUTERS
Argentina secured a Round of 16 berth after overcoming a gritty Cabo Verde side 3-2 in a 120-minute Miami extra-time thriller.
Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Vozinha after a precise long ball from Lisandro Martinez. This strike marked Messi’s 20th career goal at the global showpiece, placing him ahead in the adidas Golden Boot race.
After the break, the Blue Sharks equalized when Ludogorets midfielder Deroy Duarte finished a slick right-wing move by firing through Lisandro Martinez’s legs and past Emiliano Martinez.
Although Vozinha’s brilliant saves, including a point-blank stop against Messi, forced extra time, Argentina regained the lead in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez lashed a loose ball into the near post.
CAF side refused to surrender as Sidny Lopes Cabral leveled the match again with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Their dream finally ended in the 111th minute when a Lionel Messi corner forced an own goal by Diney Borges.
The defending champions now advance to face Egypt in the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
