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If we ever witness a more captivating contest at this World Cup—or in any future tournament—it would truly be a blessing.

Wow. Simply, wow.

That’s the only genuine reaction one can offer after watching Argentina’s dramatic encounter with Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32.

Gary Neville aptly called it the finest underdog performance he has ever witnessed, as the tournament debutants pushed the reigning world champions and arguably the greatest player in football history right to the very end.

Everything seemed to unfold exactly as expected when Lionel Messi controlled a lofted pass and finished past Vozinha in a style reminiscent of Dennis Bergkamp, breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute.

However, 14 minutes into the second half, Deroy Duarte equalised, driving the ball between Lisandro Martinez’s legs and leaving Emiliano Martinez unsighted as it slipped in from a tight angle.

Argentina could not find another breakthrough before the 90 minutes expired, as Cape Verde’s defence held strong and their 40-year-old goalkeeper produced a heroic display to keep the champions at bay.

The match went into extra time, and Cape Verde might have thought their dreams were fading when Lisandro Martinez regained Argentina’s lead just two minutes into the added period.

But Sidny Cabral shocked everyone just before the extra-time interval, cutting in from the left and curling a stunning right-footed strike into the far top corner—a finish that even Mohamed Salah would have been proud of.

Cabral celebrated passionately, sprinting up a set of steps into what appeared to be the friends and family section, embracing several supporters including a young woman before heading back to the pitch.

At 2-2, the dream was alive once more: could this really turn out to be the biggest upset in World Cup history?

Unfortunately for the neutral fans, fate had other plans. Diney Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from a Messi corner after being unsighted by Cristian Romero’s leap, with the ball deflecting off his arm and into the goal.

Even then, Cape Verde refused to surrender, pushing Argentina to the limit and creating several nervy moments as they searched desperately for a third equaliser.

But time was not on their side, and the final whistle blew before they could produce one last miracle.

Despite the heartbreak, it was an extraordinary footballing spectacle. Cape Verde will return home with immense pride, having captured the hearts of fans across the globe over the past three weeks.

Full-time: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time)