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Major League Soccer

·4 July 2026

By Dylan Butler

Argentina narrowly escaped a major upset, overcoming Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday.

The defending World Cup champions will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium on July 9 as they aim for another quarterfinal berth.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his tournament-leading seventh goal, skillfully controlling a long pass from Lisandro Martínez before chipping the ball over Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

That strike marked Messi’s record-breaking 20th World Cup goal and extended his streak to eight consecutive World Cup matches with a goal.

Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira initiated the move that resulted in Deroy Duarte’s surprising second-half equaliser, which nestled low inside the far post.

Messi had late chances to seal victory, including a free-kick in second-half stoppage time. However, Inter Miami CF’s legendary No. 10 was denied by a brilliant save from Vozinha, who tipped his effort away to keep the scores level.

In the 92nd minute, Martínez restored Argentina’s lead with a powerful shot under the crossbar following Alexis Mac Allister’s deft flick from a Messi corner.

But Cape Verde refused to bow out easily. Sidny Lopes Cabral equalised 11 minutes later with a superb strike into the far corner to make it 2-2 for the Blue Sharks.

Argentina finally sealed the win in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header from a Messi corner deflected off Cape Verde’s Diny Borges and into the net, sending the Albiceleste into wild celebrations.

29' - ARG - Lionel Messi | WATCH

59' - CPV - Deroy Duarte | WATCH

92' - ARG - Lisandro Martínez | WATCH

103' - CPV - Sidny Lopes Cabral | WATCH

111' - ARG - Diny Borges (OG) | WATCH

The Big Picture: What a contest. World Cup debutants Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the latest FIFA rankings, pushed the top-ranked Argentina to the edge. The Blue Sharks will cherish this World Cup for generations. For Argentina, it was a relief to survive and keep their dream of back-to-back titles alive.

Moment of the Match: In a frantic extra-time period, Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that Cristian Romero headed in via Cape Verde’s Diny Borges for the decisive goal.

Man of the Match: Messi struck Argentina’s opener and created the winning moment. Though he missed out on a record ninth World Cup assist, the maestro once again rose to the occasion when La Albiceleste needed him most.

ARG: Tuesday, July 7 vs. Egypt | 12 pm ET | Round of 16

CPV: End of tournament