2026 World Cup: Argentina Risks an Embarrassing Defeat Against Cape Verde but Advances

Argentina secured qualification, but it was a hard-fought victory. To get the better of a surprising Cape Verde, it took an own goal by Borges in the 6th minute of the second extra time period. Scaloni’s team, after taking the lead thanks to yet another gem from Lionel Messi, saw Duarte score a well-deserved equalizer and had to contend with extraordinary saves by Vozinha, which forced the match into extra time at 1-1.

In the thirty minutes of extra time, the match turned into a back-and-forth affair. Lisandro Martínez put Argentina back in the lead, but Cape Verde responded once again with a splendid goal by Cabral. The match was ultimately decided by Borges’s unfortunate deflection off Romero’s header, which sent the Albiceleste through to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, led by Salah.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi continues to rack up increasingly extraordinary statistics. The Argentine captain has become the first player in history to reach 20 World Cup goals, scoring his seventh in this tournament. Thirty minutes into the first half, the 39-year-old superstar produced another masterclass: a deep run onto a pass from Lisandro Martinez, impeccable control, and a winning left-footed shot that left Vozinha with no chance.

After taking the lead, however, Argentina slowed the pace and approached the second half too casually, conceding space and giving their opponents confidence. Cape Verde took advantage, equalizing through Duarte and continuing to fight with courage and character even into extra time. Cabral’s sensational 2-2 equalizer fueled the dream of an upset, but in the 111th minute, the decisive moment arrived, dashing the Africans’ hopes and securing qualification for the Albiceleste.