Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as holders Argentina rallied hard to defeat Cape Verde in extra time.
In the 111th minute, a Diney Borges own goal rescued defending champions Argentina from a major upset in World Cup history as they narrowly defeated valiant newcomers Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
The squad, positioned 64th in the FIFA rankings, managed to equalise twice against rivals ranked second globally.
With the score tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the underdogs pushed their renowned rivals into extra time. Lisandro Martinez believed he had secured victory for Argentina with an excellent shot in the 92nd minute.
However, Sidny Lopes Cabral scored one of the World Cup’s outstanding goals 11 minutes afterward when he dribbled inside to the left of the box and fired a curling shot over goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into the upper corner to equalise at 2-2.
Having a fantastic night in his career, Cabral then compelled an impressive save from Martinez four minutes before the conclusion of extra time – but they were unable to equalise for a third time to trigger penalties.
A festive vibe filled Miami early on, as thousands of hopeful Argentinians rallied behind their squad.
They seemed to be on their way to triumph when Lionel Messi created another magical moment in the 29th minute.
The Argentine captain netted his 20th World Cup goal after skilfully receiving a long pass from defender Martinez and firing it high into the net.
However, the smallest nation to compete in a World Cup knockout game was not going to exit the tournament silently.
Deroy Duarte’s second-half goal brought Cape Verde back on level terms – he made a run into the box and struck a powerful shot through Manchester United defender Martinez’s legs and past the goalkeeper from a narrow angle, causing many Cape Verde fans to weep with joy.
With two minutes remaining in extra time in Miami, defender Martinez connected with Alexis Mac Allister’s deflection from a corner and fired a strong shot past goalkeeper Vozinha.
Cabral then scored a fantastic equaliser for Cape Verde and even though it didn’t turn out in their favour ultimately, they undeniably made an impact on the World Cup.
Once Messi propelled Lionel Scaloni’s team to an early lead, football enthusiasts globally might have assumed Argentina’s advancement to the round of 16 was a certainty.
However, tt was far from that.
Cape Verde refused to be beaten, as Duarte equalised against Messi’s initial goal, then Cabral netted a stunning winner in extra time after Martinez believed he had secured victory.
Argentina may very well succeed in holding onto the World Cup they claimed in Qatar four years prior, yet they will not quickly forget the tremendous struggle they faced here.
Goalkeeper Vozinha was praised as a hero for his display in the 0-0 tie against Spain in the first group match, but he surpassed that this time.
The 40-year-old recorded eight saves, featuring a one-on-one against Messi and a fingertip save from the Argentina captain’s free-kick.
When Cristian Romero’s header rebounded off Diney Borges in the 111th minute, the expressions of Argentine fans in the stands showed more relief than joy.
Martinez and Messi were among the Argentina team members comforting their heartbroken rivals at the conclusion.
Despite their defeat, Cape Verde has undoubtedly gained the admiration of the footballing community.
With Cape Verde’s exit, Argentina will face Egypt in a round of 16 match in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7.
