Argentina survived a huge scare against debutants Cabo Verde, winning 3-2 after extra time in Miami to reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Lionel Messi scored, Lisandro Martínez added another, and a late own goal from Diney Borges sealed the victory.
Match Overview
Argentina dominated possession (64%) but were repeatedly tested by Cabo Verde’s resilience. Messi opened the scoring, but Cabo Verde equalized twice before extra time drama decided the contest.
Key Match Events
- Goals:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, 29’)
- Deroy Duarte (Cabo Verde, 59’)
- Lisandro Martínez (Argentina, 92’)
- Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cabo Verde, 103’)
- Diney Borges (Argentina, 111’ OG)
- Bookings: Kevin Pina (Cabo Verde, 68’), Gonzalo Montiel (Argentina, 114’)
- Player of the Match: Lionel Messi – scored his 20th World Cup goal and created the decisive set-piece.
Lineups and Substitutions
- Argentina (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Almada, Messi, Álvarez. Substitutions included Montiel and González to add defensive cover.
- Cabo Verde (4-2-3-1): Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Cabral; Pina, Duarte, Monteiro; Mendes, Livramento, Semedo. Substitutions brought on Benchimol and Semedo for attacking reinforcement.
How the Match Unfolded
Messi’s opener came from a precise Lisandro Martínez pass, calmly finished into the roof of the net. Duarte equalized after halftime with a sharp finish. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead in extra time, but Cabral’s stunning strike leveled again. The decisive moment came when Messi’s corner was deflected into the net by Borges, giving Argentina the win.
Tactical Analysis
- Argentina’s Approach: Heavy possession, reliance on Messi’s creativity, and persistence in wide areas.
- Cabo Verde’s Strategy: Patient buildup, disciplined defending, and opportunistic counterattacks. Their resilience nearly forced penalties.
Standout Performances
- Lionel Messi: Scored, assisted, and led Argentina’s attack.
- Lisandro Martínez: Scored and assisted, crucial in both boxes.
- Vozinha (Cabo Verde GK): Made 10 saves, keeping his team alive until the final minutes.
Tournament Implications
Argentina advances to face Egypt in Atlanta on July 8. Cabo Verde exit after a historic debut campaign, earning admiration for pushing the defending champions to the limit.
Argentina’s experience and Messi’s brilliance ultimately overcame Cabo Verde’s spirited resistance. Do you think Argentina’s narrow escape shows vulnerability, or was it simply the mark of champions finding a way to win?
