Defending champions Argentina survived one of the biggest scares of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating Round of 32 clash, booking a last-16 meeting with Egypt.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring for the holders before Cape Verde twice fought back through Deroy Duarte and a sensational strike from Sidny Cabral, only for Cristian Romero’s extra-time header, which deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal, to finally separate the sides after more than two hours of enthralling football.
The dramatic victory ensured Lionel Scaloni’s men avoided what would have ranked among the greatest upsets in World Cup history, while Cape Verde bowed out with their heads held high after producing one of the competition’s most memorable performances.
Argentina entered the contest as overwhelming favourites after cruising through the group stage with three victories, scoring eight goals and conceding just once. Cape Verde, meanwhile, had already exceeded expectations by becoming the first tournament debutants to reach the knockout rounds after progressing unbeaten from a difficult group that included Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
More Read
Despite Argentina dominating possession early on, it was Cape Verde who threatened first when Ryan Mendes cut inside and unleashed a left-footed effort that was blocked by Nahuel Molina.
Messi soon began to dictate proceedings, dragging one effort wide before forcing veteran goalkeeper Vozinha into action with a trademark free-kick.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 29th minute.
Lisandro Martinez produced a perfectly weighted long pass over the Cape Verde defence, allowing Messi to glide into space before controlling superbly and calmly lifting his finish beyond Vozinha for his seventh goal of the tournament.
The strike also marked another milestone for the Argentine captain, extending his remarkable World Cup scoring streak while becoming his 20th career World Cup goal.
Argentina almost doubled their advantage before the interval through Enzo Fernandez, whose powerful effort was well saved by Vozinha as the South Americans carried a deserved 1-0 lead into half-time.
Cape Verde, however, emerged for the second half with renewed belief.
The African side began creating chances and were rewarded in the 59th minute when Steven Moreira’s pass released captain Ryan Mendes down the right. Mendes picked out Deroy Duarte inside the area, and the midfielder squeezed a low finish beyond Emiliano Martinez at the near post to spark wild celebrations.
The equaliser transformed the contest.
Argentina responded by introducing Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez, while Messi repeatedly tested Vozinha, who produced several outstanding saves to keep Cape Verde level.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper denied Messi from a close-range one-on-one before producing another magnificent fingertip save to claw away a curling free-kick destined for the top corner.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the contest headed into extra time.
Argentina struck almost immediately after the restart.
Messi’s corner was flicked on by Alexis Mac Allister, and Lisandro Martinez reacted quickest inside the area before smashing a fierce left-footed finish into the roof of the net to restore Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute.
Many expected that goal to settle the contest.
Cape Verde had other ideas.
Just 11 minutes later, Sidny Cabral produced what may ultimately be remembered as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Receiving possession on the left, the defender cut inside before curling a breathtaking effort into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Emiliano Martinez to make it 2-2 and stun the world champions.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive moment in the 111th minute.
Messi delivered another dangerous corner, Romero glanced his header goalwards and the ball took a decisive deflection off defender Diney Borges before wrong-footing Vozinha and nestling in the far corner.
Officially recorded as an own goal, it proved enough to send Argentina through.
Cape Verde threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced penalties.
Sidny Cabral’s fierce free-kick was brilliantly tipped over by Emiliano Martinez before the Aston Villa goalkeeper produced another crucial intervention, diving bravely at Gilson Benchimol’s feet to deny a dramatic equaliser.
Jair Semedo, Livramento and Benchimol all had late opportunities as the African side piled on relentless pressure, but Argentina survived until the final whistle.
Although eliminated, Cape Verde won widespread admiration after matching the reigning champions for long spells and pushing them to the limit in one of the greatest performances by a World Cup debutant.
For Argentina, the victory extends their title defence, but Scaloni’s side will know sterner defensive displays will be required as they prepare for a last-16 showdown against Egypt after an unforgettable night that almost ended in one of football’s greatest shocks.
