Argentina survived a monumental scare from fearless Cape Verde, edging the tournament’s surprise package 3-2 after extra time to secure their passage to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in a knockout classic.
Lionel Scaloni’s side appeared destined for a routine evening when captain Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, latching onto Lisandro Martínez’s exquisite lofted pass before firing emphatically into the roof of the net.
Yet despite Argentina’s territorial dominance and clear-cut chances, Cape Verde refused to be cowed, producing a resolute second-half display that left the two-time world champions rocking.
The Africans drew level in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes teed up Deroy Duarte, who calmly slotted beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, sparking hopes of one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.
Messi twice came agonisingly close to restoring Argentina’s lead, only to be thwarted by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose string of outstanding saves kept his side firmly in contention.
With no winner forthcoming in regulation time, the tie drifted into extra time—where Argentina struck immediately after the restart. Martínez reacted quickest inside the six-yard box in the 92nd minute, converting from close range after Alexis Mac Allister had nodded a Messi corner into his path.
But Cape Verde responded with remarkable defiance. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a stunning strike from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Emiliano Martínez rooted and setting up another dramatic twist.
Just as penalties loomed, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough. A dangerous 111th-minute corner from Messi caused chaos inside the Cape Verde area, with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under intense pressure.
Cape Verde refused to surrender and launched a relentless late assault. Emiliano Martínez produced two outstanding saves in the closing minutes—first denying Steven Moreira’s close-range header before brilliantly pushing away a dangerous free-kick from Cabral to preserve Argentina’s slender advantage.
The final whistle confirmed Argentina’s passage in one of the most breathtaking matches of the knockout stage. While Messi once again inspired his side with a goal, an assist and constant attacking menace, Cape Verde emerged with enormous credit after pushing one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the limit—a fearless performance that won widespread admiration despite the heartbreaking defeat.