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Argentina vs Cabo Verde FIFA 2026 Highlights: Defending champions Argentina survived a huge scare to defeat Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at Miami Stadium. Lionel Messi scored the opening goal, while Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero played key roles as Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16.
Cabo Verde pushed the world champions to the limit and twice fought back during the match, but Argentina's experience proved decisive in extra time. Lionel Scaloni's side will now face Egypt in the Round of 16.
Argentina vs Cabo Verde Match Details
- Match: Argentina vs Cabo Verde
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
- Venue: Miami Stadium
- Result: Argentina won 3-2 after extra time
- Half-Time Score: Argentina 1-0 Cabo Verde
- Full-Time (90 Minutes): Argentina 1-1 Cabo Verde
- Extra-Time Result: Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde
Goals
- Lionel Messi (29')
- Deroy Duarte (59')
- Lisandro Martínez (92')
- Sidney Lopes Cabral (103')
- Cristian Romero (111', deflected for own goal)
First Half Highlights: Lionel Messi Gives Argentina the Lead
Argentina started the match with confidence and controlled possession against a disciplined Cabo Verde side.
First Half Key Points
- Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle.
- Cabo Verde defended well and looked dangerous on counter-attacks.
- 29th Minute: Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic after receiving a long pass from Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine captain calmly finished from a tight angle to make it 1-0.
- Argentina continued creating chances but could not score another goal before the break.
Half-Time Score: Argentina 1-0 Cabo Verde
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Second Half Highlights: Cabo Verde Fight Back to Force Extra Time
Cabo Verde refused to give up and stunned the defending champions with a deserved equaliser.
Second Half Key Points
- Cabo Verde played with more attacking intent after the restart.
- 59th Minute: Ryan Mendes delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Deroy Duarte finished between Emiliano Martínez's legs to level the score at 1-1.
- Both teams created chances in the closing stages.
- Neither side could find the winner in normal time.
Full-Time (90 Minutes): Argentina 1-1 Cabo Verde
Extra Time Drama: Argentina Finally Seal Victory
The extra period produced three dramatic goals.
Extra Time Highlights
- 92nd Minute: Argentina regained the lead when Lisandro Martínez fired home after a Lionel Messi corner caused chaos inside the penalty area.
- 103rd Minute: Cabo Verde equalised again through Sidney Lopes Cabral, who curled a brilliant shot into the top corner to make it 2-2.
- 111th Minute: Messi delivered another dangerous corner, and Cristian Romero powered in a header that deflected off defender Dini Borges before crossing the line.
- After a brief VAR review, the goal was awarded, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead.
- Argentina successfully defended the advantage until the final whistle.
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Lionel Messi Shines Again for Argentina
Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains Argentina's biggest match-winner.
The captain scored the opening goal with a brilliant finish and also delivered two dangerous corners that led to Argentina's second and third goals. His leadership and creativity helped the defending champions survive one of their toughest matches of the tournament.
Cabo Verde Win Hearts Despite Defeat
Although Cabo Verde exited the tournament, they produced one of their best-ever FIFA World Cup performances.
The African nation matched Argentina for long periods, equalised twice, and came close to forcing a penalty shootout. Their fearless display earned praise despite the heartbreaking defeat.
Argentina Set Up Round of 16 Clash with Egypt
With this dramatic victory, Argentina have advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, who defeated Australia in a penalty shootout.
Football fans around the world are now set for a blockbuster knockout clash featuring Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
