Football supporters will no longer "ask where Cape Verde is on the map", so says Roberto Lopes, after their World Cup heroics came to an end on Friday.

Cape Verde pushed defending champions Argentina all the way in their round-of-32 clash, twice drawing level in sensational fashion, before losing 3-2 after extra time in Miami.

Ranked 63rd when the tournament began, Cape Verde were the lowest-ranked nation, since the FIFA rankings started in 1992, to reach the World Cup knockout stages in their debut tournament.

And defender Lopes says world football should take note after their eye-catching performances in North America.

"One of the best things to come from this World Cup is that nobody asks where Cape Verde is on the map any more; this is history in itself for us. We've put ourselves on the map," Lopes told BBC Sport.

"We're a small nation but with big hearts, and we showed what is possible, and if you believe, you can achieve."

Deroy Duarte cancelled out Lionel Messi's opener in normal time, before Sidny Cabral scored a stunning leveller after Lisandro Martinez had restored Argentina's lead just two minutes into extra time.

Diney Borges' own goal nine minutes from time robbed Cape Verde of a potential penalty shoot-out against the world champions, but head coach Bubista was still bursting with pride.

"We showed that we may be a small country, but we can play against the best teams in the world," Bubista said. "That's a reason for pride.

"We made history for our country. They can be proud to represent our country.

"To be able to play the way we did against the world champions, and to draw level twice, is something incredible."

Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score seven or more goals in two different editions of the tournament (2022 and 2026), while extending his own scoring record in the competition.

He scored his 20th career World Cup goal, scoring in his eighth straight match at the finals, to extend both competition records, but urged Argentina to improve.

"Today, we put in a huge effort, as always, playing well and playing badly, just like we always say," Messi said after the game. "But I think the important thing now is to rest, think about what's coming next and try to take positives from today's game.

"Beyond just qualifying, I think there are positives because we did some good things, and we also need to correct the bad ones, which I think were many today as well."