Even 39-year-old Messi wasn't satisfied: 'It wasn't pressure'... Argentina's 11-game winning streak still leaves homework

Even after securing their ticket to the Round of 16, a 39-year-old Lionel Messi's expression was far from celebratory. His gaze seemed fixed not on the next match, but on internal issues within the Argentinian team, despite their hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers.

The match, held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, proved to be a grueling 120-minute affair. The scoreline, 3-2, reflected a much tougher contest than anticipated for a team considered among the tournament favorites. The extended duration and the narrow margin of victory clearly left Messi and likely the entire squad with a sense of unease.

While Argentina has successfully navigated the group stage, Messi's apparent dissatisfaction underscores that the team faces significant challenges. The victory, though crucial for qualification, did not mask the underlying issues that the team must address. Messi's reaction suggests a high standard and a critical eye, even in moments of success, pointing towards a demanding internal assessment.

The team's performance against Cape Verde highlighted that despite their pedigree, they are not invincible and must refine their play. The 11-game winning streak mentioned in the original title might be overshadowed by the "homework" Messi alluded to, indicating that the path forward requires substantial improvement and focus.