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Argentina will take on a spirited Cape Verde side in the Round of 32 after defying expectations to reach the knockout stage in their debut World Cup appearance.

The Round of 32 clash between Argentina and Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup is a matchup few could have predicted.

While most expected the South Americans to comfortably top their group, not many believed that the island nation of Cape Verde would make it past the group stage.

Even fewer would have imagined Cape Verde going unbeaten against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group phase, ultimately finishing second behind Spain.

Argentina’s World Cup defence has, unsurprisingly, revolved around Lionel Messi so far.

The legendary forward from Rosario, who turned 39 last month, continues to dazzle on the global stage. Should he find the net against Cape Verde, Messi will become the first player in World Cup history to score 20 goals.

It comes as little surprise that Argentina are tipped to dominate in Miami and hand Cape Verde their first defeat at a World Cup.

Messi and his teammates are simply too powerful for the determined islanders, whose remarkable spirit and innovative diaspora-driven squad building have been one of the most captivating storylines of this tournament.

Having been rested at the start of Argentina’s final group fixture against Jordan, Messi is expected to be fresher than usual — a worrying sign for Cape Verde.

Nevertheless, the African underdogs will cherish this once-in-a-lifetime experience: facing one of the greatest footballers ever in a World Cup knockout match.

Argentina’s potential route to the semi-finals appears among the more favourable of the top contenders. If they overcome Cape Verde, they will face either Australia or Egypt in the next round, followed by a possible quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana.

Cape Verde will undoubtedly fight with great determination, but it is difficult to overlook Argentina’s overwhelming quality.

Even without Messi, La Albiceleste would likely get the job done — but with him in their ranks, there is little doubt about the probable outcome.

Score prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde