Washington (Rajeev Sharma): Messi on target as reigning champions survive determined challenge from tournament debutants to reach Round of 16
Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after overcoming a spirited Cape Verde side 3-2 in an enthralling extra-time contest that tested the defending champions until the closing minutes.
Lionel Messi once again delivered on the big stage, opening the scoring for Argentina in the first half with another clinical finish. However, Cape Verde refused to back down and matched the South American giants with an inspired performance, forcing the game beyond regulation time.
The African nation equalised through Sidny Lopes Cabral after Messi’s opener, ensuring the match remained finely balanced heading into the second half. Despite Argentina enjoying greater possession and creating several opportunities, Cape Verde’s disciplined defending and outstanding goalkeeping frustrated the favourites.
Argentina restored their lead early in extra time when Lisandro Martínez found the back of the net, but Cape Verde responded almost immediately. Deroy Duarte struck the equaliser, sending the crowd into disbelief and keeping hopes of a major upset alive.
With penalties appearing increasingly likely, Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the dying moments of extra time. A dangerous header from Cristian Romero took a decisive deflection off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges before crossing the goal line, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sealing a dramatic victory for the world champions.
The result sends Argentina into the last 16, where they will meet Egypt in their next knockout fixture after the African side advanced through a penalty shootout victory over Australia.
Although Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey came to an end, the tournament newcomers earned admiration for their fearless approach throughout the competition. The island nation exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the group stage and pushed one of football’s biggest powers to the brink in a memorable knockout encounter.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as one of Cape Verde’s standout performers once again, producing several outstanding saves to deny Argentina throughout the match. His repeated interventions kept his side in contention until the closing stages of extra time.
Messi’s goal further strengthened his extraordinary World Cup legacy, adding another milestone to an already historic international career. The Argentine captain continues to feature prominently among the tournament’s leading scorers and remains firmly in the race for the Golden Boot.
While Argentina celebrated progression, Cape Verde departed the competition with immense credit after proving they could compete toe-to-toe with one of the tournament favourites in one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage so far.
