Second Extra Half 🇦🇷 Argentina v Cape Verde 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Full Time! Argentina Survives an Epic Battle

It's over in Miami! Argentina keeps its dream of a fourth FIFA World Cup alive, but it needed 120 exhausting minutes to overcome an unforgettable Cape Verde side that came within moments of producing one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

The Blue Sharks played with courage, character, and enormous heart. They pushed the reigning world champions to the absolute limit, inspired an entire nation, and leave the tournament with their heads held high after a truly heroic performance.

The Albiceleste moves on, but Cape Verde also deserves a standing ovation. So far, this has unquestionably been the best match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🇦🇷 3-2 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Cuti’s Header Saves the World Champion

That was the header from Cristian "Cuti" Romero that saves the world champion and brings Argentina back to life in Miami.

The defender stepped up in the hottest moment of the match, met Lionel Messi’s cross, and put the Albiceleste back in front, very close to the Round of 16.

🇦🇷 3-2 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 110': GOOOOOOOOAL ARGENTINA!!!

Set pieces deliver again! Cristian "Cuti" Romero rose above everyone in the box and powered home a brilliant header from a perfectly delivered corner by Lionel Messi.

Argentina can breathe again. After an incredible battle, the Albiceleste regains the lead and moves closer to the Round of 16, although Cape Verde has already shown it never stops believing.

🇦🇷 3-2 🇨🇻

First Extra Half 🇦🇷 Argentina v Cape Verde 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — The Best Goal of the World Cup So Far

So far, this is the best goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What an outrageous strike from Lopez Cabral!

The Cape Verde player has delivered a goal for the ages, the goal of his life, exactly when his team needed it most. My goodness, what a story we are watching in Miami.

🇦🇷 2-2 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 102': WHAT A GOAL FROM CAPE VERDE!!!

Unbelievable! Lopez Cabral has just scored the goal of his life. A sensational strike to level the match again and send this story into another dimension in Miami.

Cape Verde refuses to die against Argentina. The Blue Sharks rise again against the world champion, and this match has become absolute madness.

🇦🇷 2-2 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Lisandro Martínez’s Goal

That was the goal from Lisandro Martínez that is giving Argentina the lead and, for now, a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a corner kick, the defender was left unmarked inside the box and unleashed a thunderous strike past Vozinha. The Albiceleste can finally breathe on a night of total drama in Miami.

🇦🇷 2-1 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 92': GOOOOOOOOAL ARGENTINA!!!

The world champion is alive! Lisandro Martínez was left completely unmarked after a corner kick and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike that gave Vozinha no chance.

Argentina can finally breathe in Miami. After suffering like never before, the Albiceleste is back in front against a Cape Verde side that had pushed this match to the limit.

🇦🇷 2-1 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 58': The Goal That Stunned the World

This is the goal that stunned the world. Duarte scores the equalizer for Cape Verde against Argentina, the reigning world champion, with a move that left the Albiceleste defense with no answer.

Incredible scenes in Miami: the Blue Sharks have tied the match and are keeping their dream of a historic upset alive.

🇦🇷 1-1 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 58': GOOOOOOOOOAL CAPE VERDE!!!

A stunning twist in Miami! Duarte levels the match after a brilliant attacking move that completely caught Argentina's defense off guard.

The African side is rewarded for its courage and briefly silences the crowd. Cape Verde is dreaming again and has the reigning 2026 FIFA World Cup champions under real pressure.

🇦🇷 1-1 🇨🇻

First Half 🇦🇷 Argentina v Cape Verde 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Messi's 20th FIFA World Cup Goal

Pure history! Lionel Messi scores his 20th goal in the FIFA World Cup, doing so with a finish that showcases all of his brilliance.

His first touch inside the box is simply exquisite. With one perfect control, he set himself up before calmly finishing to put Argentina in front.

🇦🇷 1-0 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — 28': GOOOOOOOOAL MESSI!!!

Argentina takes the lead! Lionel Messi appeared inside the box, brought the ball down with a brilliant first touch, and finished to open the scoring in Miami.

The Albiceleste finally breaks through Cape Verde's resistance and moves in front in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

🇦🇷 1-0 🇨🇻

Pre Match 🇦🇷 Argentina v Cape Verde 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — National Anthems in Miami

A special moment unfolds in Miami as the national anthems of Argentina and Cape Verde echo throughout the stadium. Both teams stand proudly before kickoff in this 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.

Everything is set for the reigning champions to begin their knockout-stage campaign.

🇦🇷 0-0 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Pregame: Messi Feels at Home

Lionel Messi starts on the field in Miami, a place he knows perfectly well and where he will surely feel right at home leading Argentina.

The Albiceleste begins with its biggest star on the pitch, while Cape Verde prepares to chase one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🇦🇷 0-0 🇨🇻

🇦🇷 🇨🇻 — Pregame

Everything is set for kickoff. Argentina and Cape Verde are making their final preparations on the pitch as the stadium fills up for this 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.

The reigning champions Argentina aim to continue their title defense, while Cape Verde hopes to write another historic chapter with a major upset.

🇦🇷 0-0 🇨🇻

The World Champions Begin the Knockout Stage

Argentina continues its title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it takes on Cape Verde in the Round of 32. On paper, La Albiceleste enters the match as the favorite, but the African side has already proven during the group stage that it can compete with higher-ranked opponents and that its place in the knockout rounds is no accident.

Managed by Lionel Scaloni, Argentina arrives carrying the natural pressure of being the reigning world champion and knowing that anything short of advancing would be considered a disappointment. Standing in its way, however, is a Cape Verde team determined to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Its defensive organization, physical intensity, and ability to withstand difficult matches make it a far more dangerous opponent than many expect.

Argentina Lineup

Cape Verde Lineup

Argentina Must Impose Its Quality

La Albiceleste advanced through the group stage by displaying consistency, experience, and moments of outstanding football. With Lionel Messi serving as both the team's footballing and emotional leader, Argentina remains a side capable of controlling matches through possession while relying on the individual brilliance of its stars to make the difference.

The key for Lionel Scaloni's squad will be staying patient if Cape Verde chooses to defend deep. In matches like this, quick ball circulation, switches of play, and the movement of the attacking players will be essential to create openings. The experience of players such as Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez could prove decisive during the most pressure-filled moments of the game.

Cape Verde Looks to Shock the World

Cape Verde has already made history by reaching the knockout stage, but the African nation wants even more. It has been one of the biggest surprises of the tournament thanks to its tactical discipline, physical strength, and fearless approach against stronger opponents.

Against Argentina, the game plan appears straightforward: remain compact defensively, close down the central spaces, and look to strike quickly on the counterattack. To have any chance of advancing, Cape Verde will need a near-perfect defensive performance while making the most of every set piece and transition opportunity.

Although La Albiceleste enters the match as the favorite, the knockout stage leaves no room for mistakes. Argentina must show from the opening whistle that it is ready to continue defending its world title, while Cape Verde will attempt to write the greatest chapter in its football history.

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