Messi nearly packed his bags... 'Surprise' Cape Verde narrowly defeated by Argentina after 120 minutes of battle

Cape Verde, the biggest surprise of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bowed out of the tournament after a grueling 3-2 defeat to Argentina in extra time. The small West African island nation, with a population of just 520,000, made its first-ever appearance in the World Cup finals and captivated audiences with its spirited performances.

In the Round of 16 clash held at Miami Stadium, Cape Verde demonstrated remarkable resilience, pushing the heavily favored Argentinian team to its limits. The match was a testament to their determination and skill, proving they belonged on the world stage. While the final scoreline favored Argentina, Cape Verde's performance earned them widespread admiration and respect.

The game saw historic moments for Argentina's stars. Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal, becoming the first player in World Cup history to reach this milestone. Teammate Lisandro Martínez was also instrumental, providing an assist for Messi's opener and adding a goal himself in extra time. These contributions were crucial in Argentina's hard-fought victory.

However, the narrative of the match was largely defined by Cape Verde's underdog spirit. Their ability to not only qualify for the tournament but also to compete so fiercely against the reigning champions highlighted a significant achievement for the nation. Their journey, though ended, has been celebrated as a major success, embodying the magic of the World Cup and the dreams of smaller nations on the global stage.