Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the most entertaining matches of the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Lionel Messi added another historic goal to his remarkable World Cup career, while Cape Verde earned worldwide praise for pushing the defending champions to their limits.
Final Score
- Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32
- Result: Argentina advance to the Round of 16
Match Summary
Argentina entered the knockout stage as clear favorites, but Cape Verde produced a fearless performance from the opening whistle. The underdogs defended with discipline, attacked with confidence, and created several dangerous chances that kept Argentina under pressure throughout the match.
Lionel Messi once again made the difference, helping Argentina stay composed during difficult moments before the world champions secured the winning goal in extra time.
Key Moments
- Argentina controlled possession for much of the match.
- Cape Verde created several dangerous counterattacks.
- Lionel Messi scored his historic 20th FIFA World Cup goal.
- The match remained close until extra time.
- Argentina eventually secured a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Goal Summary
| Team | Goals |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 3 |
| Cape Verde | 2 |
Messi Reaches Another Milestone
Lionel Messi continued to make FIFA World Cup history by scoring his 20th tournament goal. His experience and leadership proved crucial as Argentina survived one of their toughest knockout matches so far.
Cape Verde Impress Despite Defeat
Although Cape Verde were eliminated, they won the admiration of football fans around the world. Their organization, determination, and attacking intent made this one of the most memorable matches of the Round of 32.
The performance demonstrated how far Cape Verde has progressed on the international stage and suggested a bright future for the national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Argentina vs Cape Verde?
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to advance to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Did Lionel Messi score?
Yes. Lionel Messi scored one of Argentina’s goals and reached 20 FIFA World Cup goals in his career.
Where can I watch the official highlights?
You can watch the official Argentina vs Cape Verde highlights on the FIFA website using the links above.
Final Thoughts
Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 after surviving an outstanding challenge from Cape Verde. The match delivered five goals, extra-time drama, and another unforgettable performance from Lionel Messi. While Argentina continue their quest for another World Cup title, Cape Verde leave the tournament with their heads held high after one of the competition’s most courageous displays.