Defending Champions Argentina Edges Cape Verde After Extra-Time Drama

Reigning world champions Argentina narrowly secured a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming a monumental scare from debutants Cape Verde in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in Miami.

The Blue Sharks, who made history as the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament's knockout phase, pushed the global heavyweights to their absolute limit across 120 minutes of intense football before an unfortunate late error decided the tie.

Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute through talisman Lionel Messi. Controlling a precise overhead pass from Lisandro Martinez, the veteran attacker cleverly lofted the ball over the advancing 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper, Vozinha, to net his 20th career World Cup goal.

However, the African side refused to back down, executing a brilliant counter-attack in the 59th minute. Midfielder Deroy Duarte found space in the penalty area and precisely slotted a low strike past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to pull his team level.

An inspired performance from Vozinha, who pulled off multiple world-class saves to deny Messi from close range, successfully frustrated the Albiceleste and forced the high-stakes match into extra time locked at 1-1.

A Pulsating Extra-Time Showdown

The defending champions appeared to regain control just two minutes into the first extra period when Lisandro Martinez reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner kick, firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.

Yet again, Cape Verde staged a spectacular fightback. In the 103rd minute, left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning contender for goal of the tournament, curling an incredible strike from the edge of the box into the far corner to level the score at 2-2.

The decisive blow finally arrived in the 111th minute. A dangerous corner kick whipped in by Messi created chaos in the Cape Verde box, resulting in a cruel own goal as the ball deflected off defender Diney Borges and into the net.

Despite a frantic late push from Cape Verde that forced Emiliano Martinez into a crucial point-blank save in the dying seconds, Argentina held on to book a grueling victory. The South American giants will now advance to face Egypt in the next round.