Argentina survived a major scare and overcame a fearless Cape Verde side 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic World Cup Round of 32 clash in Miami, ending the debutants’ remarkable tournament run after one of the most entertaining matches of the competition.
The defending champions entered the contest as overwhelming favourites, but Cape Verde showed from the opening minutes that they had not arrived merely to admire their opponents. They pressed with confidence, moved the ball boldly and looked determined to test Argentina whenever opportunities appeared.
Argentina gradually began to establish control and eventually found the breakthrough in the 31st minute through Lionel Messi. Lisandro Martínez delivered an excellent pass over the top, and Messi produced a moment of quality, controlling the ball brilliantly before delicately lifting his finish over Vozinha and into the roof of the net. The goal, Messi’s seventh of the tournament, gave Argentina a deserved halftime advantage.
Cape Verde, however, refused to fade away and returned after the break with greater energy and belief. Their persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes drove into the area and squared the ball for Deroy Duarte, who fired beyond Emiliano Martínez to level the match and spark wild celebrations among the underdogs.
Argentina increased the pressure in search of a winner but repeatedly found Vozinha standing in their way. Messi came close from free kicks and open play, while Cape Verde defended courageously and looked dangerous on counterattacks.
Extra time brought even more drama. Argentina regained the lead when Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest inside the area and produced a superb finish after Alexis Mac Allister’s flick from a corner. Yet Cape Verde once again stunned the favourites as Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament, cutting inside from the left before curling a sensational strike into the top corner to make it 2-2.
Just as penalties appeared inevitable, Argentina found the decisive moment. In the 114th minute, Messi delivered a dangerous corner and Cristian Romero rose highest to direct his header toward goal, with a slight deflection helping the ball over the line.
Cape Verde pushed desperately for another equaliser in the closing moments, but Argentina held firm to secure a dramatic victory and a place in the Round of 16 after a memorable battle.
