Lionel Messi makes history with his 20th World Cup goal as debutants Cabo Verde push the world champions to the absolute limit in Miami.
MIAMI, July 4, 2026 – Defending champions Argentina narrowly secured their place in the Round of 16 after surviving a massive scare from tournament debutants Cabo Verde, clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra time. An agonizing 111th-minute own goal broke the hearts of the 64th-ranked African side, who matched the footballing giants stride for stride in an instant World Cup classic.
Ranked 64th in the FIFA standings, Cabo Verde entered their final group-stage encounter against second-ranked Argentina as massive underdogs. However, the debutants delivered a performance of lifetime bravery, clawing back twice to drag the world champions into a grueling extra-time period before bowing out with immense dignity.
Cabo Verde signaled their aggressive intent as early as the seventh minute when Ryan Mendes tested Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez. Despite Argentina dominating possession, they found it tough to break the rigid African defense until the 29th minute.
The breakthrough came courtesy of talisman Lionel Messi. Latching onto a perfectly weighted lofted pass from Lisandro Martínez over the defensive line, Messi brilliantly chipped the ball over the advancing Cabo Verde goalkeeper, Vozinha, to make it 1-0. The strike marked Messi’s seventh goal in the 2026 World Cup, making him the first player in football history to reach 20 career World Cup goals. Argentina headed into the interval with a slim one-goal cushion after Vozinha denied Enzo Fernández late in the first half.
Cabo Verde resumed the second half with renewed attacking vigor. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes orchestrated a brilliant move from the right flank, finding Deroy Duarte inside the box. Duarte clinically beat Martínez, slotting the ball into the far corner to trigger wild celebrations and level the score at 1-1.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni responded by introducing Julián Álvarez and Nico González. Despite continuous Argentine pressure, Vozinha stood like a wall, denying a signature Messi free-kick and subsequent efforts to force the game into extra time.
The drama intensified instantly in the extra period. In the 92nd minute, Argentina restored their lead when Lisandro Martínez capitalised on an Alexis Mac Allister assist following a Messi corner, firing home past Vozinha.
Yet, Cabo Verde refused to capitulate. In the 103rd minute, full-back Sydney Lopes Cabral embarked on a stunning solo run down the left wing, cutting inside the Argentine box and unleashing a magnificent strike into the top corner, leaving Dibu Martínez stranded at 2-2.
The decisive blow arrived in the 111th minute of the second half of extra time. A dangerous corner delivered by Messi deflected off Cabo Verde defender Diney Borges into his own net, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. Cabo Verde fought until the final seconds, with Dibu Martínez making two crucial saves against Sydney Lopes Cabral and Diney Borges to preserve the victory.
With this hard-fought win, Argentina advances to the pre-quarterfinals, where they are scheduled to face Egypt.
