World Cup 2026: Romero 'rescues' Argentina in the 111th minute

Argentina secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over a resilient Cape Verde side in extra time, clinching their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match, held on July 7, saw Argentina face a determined opponent that equalized twice, pushing the game into an additional 30 minutes.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 29th minute, netting his 20th World Cup goal after a brilliant assist from Lisandro Martinez. However, Cape Verde fought back, with Deroy Duarte equalizing in the 59th minute after Emiliano Martinez saved his initial shot. The African team's equalizer came after a period where Cape Verde had become increasingly dangerous, and goalkeeper Vozinha made several crucial saves to deny Messi.

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The solution for Argentina came from the air again from a center-back.

The game went into extra time after Messi's late free-kick was saved. Argentina took the lead again in the 92nd minute through Lisandro Martinez, assisted by a corner from Messi. But Cape Verde refused to yield, and Lopez Cabral scored a stunning equalizer from a tight angle in the 103rd minute, leveling the score at 2-2 and silencing the Argentinian supporters.

The decisive goal came in the 111th minute from Romero, who headed home a corner from Messi, securing the victory for Argentina. Emiliano Martinez then made a vital save from a Lopez Cabral free-kick in the 116th minute, preserving the win and ensuring Argentina's progression to face Egypt in the next round.

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Equally decisive for Scaloni's team was the save in the 116th minute by Emiliano Martinez from Lopez Cabral's tremendous direct free-kick, gifting his team the victory and qualification.