WC:Argentina survive epic Cape Verde scare after extra-time thriller

Argentina eliminated a heroic Cape Verde side 3-2 in an extraordinary Round of 32 encounter at Miami after a pulsating extra-time period that tested the defending champions to their limit. Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in an epic Round of 32 tie on Friday evening in Miami, with the defending champions' greater depth ultimately deciding an astonishing contest. Lionel Messi had given the Albiceleste the lead in the 28th minute after receiving a perfect assist, but Cape Verde produced a remarkable first comeback to equalise through Deroy Duarte's stunning finish in the 58th minute.
Cape Verde pulled off a generational performance to hold the FIFA World Cup defending champions for 110 minutes, but an own goal brought about the end. Cape Verde, which pulled off draws against Spain and Uruguay in the group stage, went into the contest against Argentina as underdogs and not a single person gave them a chance of standing up to the South American giants. Cape Verde showed that football is played by players, not expectations.

The referee was right there and he said "play on"

Cape Verde, there is nothing else you could have done to get past Argentina. The organisers don't want that. Football is business and it's always systematically rigged.

Go home, heroes pic.twitter.com/SnAO15NssH

— Jude Heavenly ???????????????? (@JudeHeavenly) July 4, 2026

Argentina eventually found a way through, but only after talisman Lionel Messi delivered both a goal and an assist from a corner. More than two hours after kickoff, the footballing powerhouse finally subdued an inspired Cape Verde side that refused to back down.Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's lead with a powerful strike early in extra time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to produce an incredible response with a stunning long-range finish in the 103rd minute that forced Argentina back into the contest.
Argentina's path to victory was far more chaotic than expected as they struggled to impose their usual dominance despite being tournament favourites. Messi, playing at home in Miami where he plays for Inter, was efficient in finding the net early but then relatively quiet by his standards for long periods.