Foreign media scrutinize Argentina's narrow win over Cape Verde: 'Only knows how to win by suffering'

Argentina narrowly avoided a World Cup upset, securing a tense 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in extra time at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The win, however, has sparked debate among global media outlets about the team's ability to retain their title.

International press focused on Argentina's near-defeat, with Spanish outlets like Marca and Sport highlighting the team's "miraculous" escape and "dependence" on captain Lionel Messi. Marca's headline, "Argentina, by sheer miracle," underscored the precariousness of the situation, while Sport noted that "Argentina needed Messi and extra time to overcome Cape Verde."

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport humorously attributed the win to an own goal, stating, "This is not the hand of God, it's the hand of Diney," referencing the decisive goal that secured Argentina's passage to the round of 16. French publication L'Équipe echoed concerns about key players performing below their usual level but acknowledged Argentina's inherent competitiveness in high-pressure situations.

Across various reports, a common theme emerged: Argentina's "suffering" style of play, reminiscent of their Qatar World Cup campaign. While celebrating the victory, the media also pointed to the team's apparent lack of ideas and physical conditioning, raising questions about their long-term prospects in the tournament.