Argentina advances to quarterfinals after grueling extra-time win over Cape Verde

Argentina scraped through to the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over a heroic Cape Verde side, the tournament's biggest surprise. Lionel Messi netted his 20th career World Cup goal, but an agonizing finish in extra time was needed to seal the Albiceleste's passage.

No one expected an easy match against Cape Verde, who had already impressed by holding their own against Spain and Uruguay. The smallest nation to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup played without fear. Instead of defending deeply, the African team started with surprising boldness. Ten minutes in, possession was even, and their goalkeeper, Josimar Évora Dias, known as 'Vozinha,' showcased his confidence with daring dribbles near his own goal line.

The game remained tactically balanced until Lionel Messi intervened. Moving almost unnoticed among the defenders, he perfectly read the space. Lisandro Martínez delivered a precise pass, and the Rosario star controlled the floating ball with masterful skill before firing over Vozinha. It was 1-0 and Messi's historic 20th World Cup goal. However, Argentina became too static in the second half, playing with excessive caution. Cape Verde sensed an opportunity. Deroy Duarte tested the goalkeeper with a long-range shot, and near the end of regulation time, capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize, sparking wild celebrations among the African contingent.

Coach Lionel Scaloni reacted swiftly, introducing Julián Álvarez and Nico González to inject urgency. Argentina's pressure became relentless in the final minutes, but Vozinha turned into an impenetrable wall, denying Messi in consecutive one-on-one situations and from a free kick to force the match into extra time. The extra period became an emotional rollercoaster. Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in front by converting a corner kick at the far post with power. Shortly after, as Argentina sought to control the game, Cape Verde's Sidny Cabral silenced the stadium with an equalizer.