Football World Cup: Argentina trembled despite Messi's goal

Defending champions Argentina narrowly escaped elimination, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over debutants Cape Verde after extra time in a dramatic World Cup Round of 16 match.

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Argentina went ahead twice in Miami with far too much generosity and only survived thanks to a late own goal by Diney Borges (111th).

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 29th minute, marking his 20th World Cup goal and extending his all-time tournament record. However, Cape Verde, showing impressive resilience, equalized through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute. Despite Messi missing a chance to restore the lead, the match went into extra time.

Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back ahead with a spectacular strike early in the first period of extra time. Cape Verde, undeterred, responded with a stunning goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral in the 103rd minute. The decisive moment came via an own goal from Cape Verde's Diney Borges in the 111th minute, following a header from Cristian Romero, which ultimately sealed Argentina's progression.

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Superstar Messi (29th) gave his team the lead as planned, which Deroy Duarte (59th) equalized.

Argentina's victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against Egypt. The "Pharaohs" made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time and advanced further by defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Key misses from Australia's captain Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington proved costly.

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Even the 2-1 lead at the beginning of extra time thanks to Lisandro Martinez (92nd) was countered by the World Cup debutant through Sidny Lopes Cabral (103rd).

Meanwhile, Colombia secured their place in the next round with a 1-0 win over Ghana, thanks to a goal from Jhon Arias. They are set to face Switzerland in their upcoming match, marking Colombia's second-ever knockout stage victory in a World Cup.

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Then came Cristian Romero's header, which bounced off Dineys' hand into the goal.