Messi's 20th goal not enough as Argentina barely beats Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to reach Round of 16

Defending champions Argentina secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over tournament surprise package Cape Verde in extra time, advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match was a dramatic affair, with Argentina twice letting their lead slip before securing the win late in the second half of extra time.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina, but Cape Verde, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized their impressive run in the tournament, fought back to equalize. The match remained a tense battle, with both teams creating chances. Argentina regained the lead in extra time, only for Cape Verde to once again pull level, setting up a thrilling finale.

The decisive goal came late in extra time, sealing Argentina's progression. Despite the loss, Cape Verde's performance was widely praised, having pushed the reigning world champions to the brink and delivering one of the tournament's most memorable matches. Their debut in the World Cup has been a historic success, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.