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Cape Verde’s awe-inspiring debut at the World Cup came to an agonising conclusion as Diney Borges’ extra-time own goal handed world champions Argentina a 3-2 victory in Miami.

In a captivating round-of-32 clash that will be remembered for generations, the African underdogs twice rallied to shock the reigning champions. Their second equaliser produced perhaps the most iconic moment of the tournament so far — left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner during extra-time.

Earlier, Lisandro Martinez had restored Argentina’s lead in the extra period after Lionel Messi’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte.

Cabral’s wonder goal, followed by his emotional celebration as he climbed into the stands to embrace his family, appeared destined to be the defining image of both the match and the tournament.

However, Argentina snatched victory late on when Cristian Romero challenged for a header from Messi’s corner, and in a desperate attempt to intervene, Borges inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

Messi had threatened early, firing a low shot wide of the far post after 15 minutes. His next chance came soon after, and before the half-hour mark, he notched his 20th World Cup finals goal.

Lisandro Martinez lofted a precise ball over the top, finding Messi peeling away from Borges. With one deft touch of his left boot, Messi brought it under control, and with the next, he lifted it into the roof of Vozinha’s net.

Eight minutes into the second half, Laros Duarte forced Emiliano Martinez into his first real save — a powerful drive from distance that the Aston Villa keeper comfortably gathered.

Cape Verde’s composure and belief were rewarded in the 59th minute. Ryan Mendes threaded a delightful pass through a defender’s legs to find Duarte unmarked in the box. Duarte finished brilliantly, driving the ball through Lisandro Martinez’s legs and into the far corner.

Moments later, Vozinha denied Messi from close range, then stayed alert to stop a quick free-kick from the Argentine captain.

As the full-time whistle blew, Cape Verde had already achieved something special by taking the world’s second-ranked team into extra time, despite being ranked 13th in Africa.

Just over two minutes into the additional period, Lisandro Martinez found space at the far post from a corner and smashed his shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 for Argentina.

Yet Cape Verde refused to give up. Cabral’s incredible effort from the left flank – curling into the top corner beyond a diving Emiliano Martinez – almost defied belief.

But the drama ended in heartbreak. With just ten minutes remaining, Romero rose highest from Messi’s corner, and Borges, in attempting a clearance, turned the ball past his own goalkeeper Vozinha.

Cape Verde’s journey may have ended, but their fearless display and Cabral’s unforgettable strike ensured that their first World Cup appearance will live long in footballing memory.