FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – ROUND OF 32
ARGENTINA……………..3 (AET)
CAPE VERDE………….…2
Argentina needed extra time to overcome a spirited Cape Verde side, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory to book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
The reigning world champions took the lead in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi brilliantly controlled a long pass from Lisandro Martínez before finishing confidently. It was Messi’s seventh goal of the tournament, strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup knockout debut, refused to back down. Deroy Duarte levelled the match just before the hour mark after being played through by Ryan Mendes, scoring the nation’s first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match.
Argentina created several chances to restore their lead, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the game. With neither team able to find a winner in normal time, the tie went into extra time.
Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in front early in extra time with a powerful finish from a corner, but Cape Verde responded once again through a superb strike by Sidny Lopes Cabral to make it 2-2.
With the match heading towards penalties, Cristian Romero rose highest to meet a Messi corner, with the ball taking a slight deflection before finding the net to seal Argentina’s 3-2 victory.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cape Verde exit the tournament with their heads held high after an outstanding debut World Cup campaign.
