World Cup: Argentina edges Cape Verde 3-2 with crucial own goal in extra time

Argentina narrowly avoided a major upset, securing a 3-2 victory in extra time against Cape Verde to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup.

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Messi scored the first goal in the 29th minute, receiving a long pass from Lisandro Martinez and scoring.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, marking his 20th career World Cup goal, a new record. However, Cape Verde, the tournament's biggest surprise, fought back. Ryan Mendes assisted Deroy Duarte for the equalizer in the 59th minute, sending the match into extra time.

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Ryan Mendes passed from the right wing, and Deroy Duarte met the ball at a very tight angle to kick it into the far corner.

Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back ahead in the 92nd minute. But Cape Verde's resilience shone through again when Sidny Lopes Cabral scored in the 103rd minute to level the score at 2-2. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when a corner kick from Messi deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net for an own goal, sealing Argentina's progression.

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Martinez found space in a scramble from a corner kick and scored to give Argentina a 2-1 lead.

This dramatic win prevents a historic early exit for the defending champions and brings an end to Cape Verde's remarkable tournament run. Argentina is set to face Egypt on July 8th for a spot in the quarterfinals. The tournament has also seen a record 14 own goals so far.

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Cabral shot from the edge of the penalty area and scored to level the score at 2-2.