Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup round of 16

Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit by a fearless Cape Verde side before securing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in Florida.

The thrilling encounter marked Argentina’s record-extending 12th FIFA World Cup match to go into extra time, as Lionel Scaloni’s men were forced to dig deep against the tournament’s surprise package. Despite Cape Verde’s spirited display, goals from Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero eventually sealed Argentina’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.

Messi Opens Scoring for Argentina

Cape Verde, the lowest-ranked nation to reach the knockout stages on their World Cup debut, showed no signs of intimidation against the reigning champions. Ryan Mendes tested Emiliano Martínez early on, but the Argentine goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Argentina gradually took control of proceedings, with Messi first firing wide before seeing a free-kick comfortably gathered by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when Messi showcased his class. The Argentine captain expertly controlled a lofted diagonal pass from Lisandro Martínez before calmly finishing into the roof of the net. The goal was Messi’s seventh of the tournament, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.

Enzo Fernández nearly doubled Argentina’s advantage before halftime, but Vozinha produced a fine save to keep Cape Verde within touching distance.

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Cape Verde Fights Back After the Break

The Blue Sharks emerged from the interval with renewed energy and almost found an equaliser when Deroy Duarte forced Emiliano Martínez into action with a powerful effort from distance.

Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark. Ryan Mendes threaded a precise pass through to Duarte, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle into the bottom corner to score Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the contest at 1-1.

Argentina responded immediately, with Messi twice denied by an inspired Vozinha. The veteran goalkeeper first stopped the forward in a one-on-one situation before producing an outstanding save to tip another Messi free-kick away from the top corner.

Despite increasing pressure from Argentina, Cape Verde held firm and forced the match into extra time.

Extra Time Delivers More Drama

Argentina regained the lead just two minutes into extra time when a corner found Lisandro Martínez at the far post. The defender, who had already assisted Messi’s opener, smashed home into the top corner to make it 2-1.

However, Cape Verde refused to surrender. In one of the moments of the tournament, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning strike from an acute angle, curling the ball into the top corner to restore parity at 2-2.

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The goal injected fresh belief into the underdogs, while Vozinha continued his impressive performance by denying Messi once again.

Romero Sends Argentina Through

With penalties looming, Argentina found a decisive breakthrough. Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the box, and Cristian Romero rose highest to power a header goalward. The ball took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net, restoring Argentina’s lead for a third time.

Cape Verde nearly forced another equaliser when Lopes Cabral unleashed a powerful free-kick, but Emiliano Martínez produced a crucial save to preserve Argentina’s advantage.

Argentina Set Up Egypt Clash

The hard-fought victory sends Argentina into the World Cup Round of 16, where they will face Egypt in what promises to be a blockbuster knockout encounter.

While Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey comes to an end, the debutants leave the tournament with their heads held high after pushing the world champions to the brink and earning widespread admiration with their historic run.