Argentina survive Cape Verde scare 3-2 in extra time, face Egypt in last-16
Synopsis
Argentina were pushed to the very edge by unfancied Cabo Verde — twice pegged back, forced into extra time, and only through thanks to an own goal from a Messi corner. The defending champions survived, but the performance raised real questions about their defensive resilience heading into the knockouts. Messi, though, remains unstoppable: eight consecutive World Cup matches with a goal is a record no one else is close to.
Key Takeaways
Argentina beat Cabo Verde 3-2 in extra time ( 124 minutes ) at Miami Stadium on 4 July 2026 .
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute , extending his record to goals in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches .
Deroy Duarte equalised for Cabo Verde twice, and Lopes Cabral levelled a second time in extra time to make it 2-2 .
An own goal from a Messi corner in extra time proved the decisive moment, sending Argentina through 3-2 .
Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina survived a fierce fightback from Cabo Verde to win 3-2 in 124 minutes at the Miami Stadium on Saturday, 4 July, booking their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks twice levelled from behind before an own goal from a Messi corner ultimately sealed Argentina's passage — setting up a last-16 clash with Egypt.
First Half: Messi Breaks the Deadlock
Argentina controlled the opening 15 minutes, circulating possession patiently in search of an opening. Messi found space inside the box but dragged an early attempt wide of the left post. He made amends in the 29th minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Lisandro Martínez to slide home and make it 1-0. The goal extended Messi's own World Cup record — he has now scored in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Before the break, Enzo Fernandez tested Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha from the edge of the area, but the shot-stopper held firm to keep the deficit at one.
Cape Verde Equalise and Push Argentina to Extra Time
Cabo Verde came out transformed after the interval. Deroy Duarte forced a sharp save from Emiliano Martínez with a long-range effort, then struck again moments later — a low, driven shot across the box — to level at 1-1. Argentina pressed in response: Lautaro Martínez laid the ball off to Messi, but Vozinha denied him in a one-on-one. The Cape Verdean goalkeeper also repelled a Messi free kick that was curling toward the left post.
In the closing minutes, a cutback from Molina was intercepted by Roberto Lopes just as Fernandez prepared to tap in, and a second Messi free kick in stoppage time was again smothered by Vozinha despite a deflection. The sides could not be separated after 90 minutes.
Extra Time Drama: Two More Goals and an Own Goal Decides It
The deadlock was broken early in extra time when Lisandro Martínez controlled a left-sided corner at the far post and finished to put Argentina 2-1 ahead. Cabo Verde refused to fold: Lopes Cabral equalised in spectacular fashion before the end of the first period of extra time to make it 2-2. The match appeared destined for a penalty shootout, but a Messi corner in the second period of extra time caused confusion in the Cape Verde box, resulting in an own goal that put Argentina 3-2 ahead — a lead they held to the final whistle.
What Comes Next
Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16. Cabo Verde, making only their second-ever World Cup appearance, exit with enormous credit after pushing the world champions to the very limit across 124 minutes of football. For Scaloni's side, the performance will prompt questions about defensive solidity ahead of the knockout rounds, even as Messi's record-breaking form continues to underpin their campaign.
Point of View
But this was not the performance of champions in full control. Being pegged back twice — and requiring an own goal to settle the tie — against a side making only their second World Cup appearance exposes a defensive fragility that Egypt, and any team beyond, will study closely. Scaloni's system still runs through Messi, and that dependency looks increasingly risky in the knockout rounds where one off-night ends a campaign. The record-breaking goal is the headline; the manner of the win is the warning.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Argentina and Cabo Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 in extra time at Miami Stadium on 4 July 2026. The match lasted 124 minutes, with an own goal from a Messi corner proving decisive.
Who scored for Argentina against Cabo Verde?
Lionel Messi scored in the 29th minute, Lisandro Martínez added a second early in extra time, and a Messi corner caused an own goal for Argentina's third. Deroy Duarte and Lopes Cabral scored for Cabo Verde.
What record did Messi break in this match?
Messi scored in his eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup match, extending his own world record. No other player in the history of the tournament has scored in as many straight World Cup games.
Who will Argentina face in the Round of 16?
Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their 3-2 extra-time victory over Cabo Verde.
How did Cabo Verde perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Cabo Verde, the Blue Sharks, made only their second-ever World Cup appearance and pushed defending champions Argentina to extra time, twice equalising before a late own goal ended their run. They exit with considerable credit.
