04.07.2026 04:00
In the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in an extra-time match to advance to the next round. Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16.
In the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina faced Cape Verde. Argentina won the match, played at Hard Rock Stadium, 3-2.
MESSI PUTS HIS TEAM AHEAD
Lionel Messi stepped up in the 29th minute to put his team ahead, and the first half ended with Argentina leading 1-0.
THE MATCH IS LEVELED
Playing better in the second half, Cape Verde leveled the score in the 59th minute through Duarte. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
GOALS IN EXTRA TIME
In the 92nd minute of extra time, Argentina took the lead again through Lisandro Martinez. Cape Verde, searching for another equalizer, made it 2-2 in the 103rd minute with a magnificent goal from Sidny Cabral, who will play for Trabzonspor in our country next season.
ARGENTINA HAS THE FINAL WORD
Argentina had the final word in the match. In the 111th minute, from a Messi corner, Borges scored an own goal with a deflection. No further goals were scored in the remaining time, and defending champion Argentina won the match.
ARGENTINA IN THE ROUND OF 16
With this result, Cape Verde was eliminated from the tournament. Argentina advanced to the Round of 16. Lionel Scaloni's students will face Egypt in the Round of 16.
Cape Verde loses for the first time
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, suffered their first loss in the tournament against Argentina in extra time.
The African representative, who went through the group stage undefeated, ended their historic journey in the Round of 32.
Messi keeps counting
Messi, by scoring in the match, extended his World Cup scoring streak to 8 matches.
The 39-year-old legend increased his goal tally in the 2026 World Cup to 7 with this goal, and his total World Cup career goals to 20.
Additionally, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score at least 7 goals in two different tournaments. The star player, who led Argentina to the championship with 7 goals in 2022, reached the same number in 2026, adding another first to tournament history.
Vozinha shines again in goal
Vozinha, one of the standout names of the 2026 World Cup, gave more than his all in this match as well.
The experienced goalkeeper, who made 7 saves against Spain, managed 8 saves against Argentina.