Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal to guide defending champions Argentina past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. The dramatic Round of 32 clash in Miami sent Argentina into the last 16, where they'll meet Egypt in Atlanta.
Cape Verde's Diney Borges deflected a Cristian Romero header into his own net in the 111th minute, ending the African nation's spirited resistance. The own goal denied tournament debutants one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Messi's composed first-half finish gave Argentina the lead and marked his seventh goal in just four matches at the 2026 tournament. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who plays club football for Inter Miami, was cheered by nearly 65,000 supporters in his adopted home city.
Cape Verde had stunned observers by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H to reach the knockout stage in their maiden World Cup appearance. The Blue Sharks showed they belonged among the tournament's elite with another fearless display against the world champions.
Deroy Duarte equalised for Cape Verde early in the second half, forcing Argentina into an unexpectedly tough battle in Miami's sweltering heat. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's advantage in the opening minutes of extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral struck back with a thunderous finish into the top corner.
Messi's milestone goal made him the first player to reach 20 World Cup goals, cementing his legacy among the competition's all-time greats. His achievement strengthened his bid for another Golden Boot award.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had been fortunate to survive the challenge. "It would have been madness to lose a match like this," he said after his 100th match in charge.
Scaloni praised both his team's resilience and their opponents' quality. "This team never gives up," he told reporters after the match.
"We have to congratulate our opponents," the Argentina manager added. "Cape Verde proved today they are a great team, and they gave absolutely everything."
Cape Verde's campaign ended with their heads held high after one of the finest World Cup efforts by an African debutant. Head coach Bubista had called the showdown with Argentina "the game of our lives," and his players justified that description with a display that earned admiration across the football world.
Argentina will now face Egypt on 7 July in Atlanta as they bid to retain their World Cup title. Cape Verde depart the tournament having announced themselves as genuine contenders on the world stage.
