Miami, Florida, US, July 4: Argentina secured a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cabo Verde in a FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, booking their place in the Round of 16 after being taken the distance by the tournament debutants.
Cabo Verde, the smallest nation to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, matched the defending champions throughout the contest. Ryan Mendes tested goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez early before Argentina gradually gained control through Lionel Messi.
Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Messi collected a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez, controlled the ball and finished into the roof of the net. The goal, his seventh of the tournament, also moved him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Argentina had opportunities to extend their lead before the break, but Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha denied Enzo Fernandez with an important save.
Cabo Verde responded after the restart and equalised just before the hour mark. Mendes played Deroy Duarte through on goal, and the forward finished low into the bottom corner from a tight angle to score his country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal.
Argentina pressed for a winner in normal time, but Vozinha made several key saves, including efforts from Messi, to send the match into extra time.
The South American side regained the lead shortly after extra time began when Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner.
Cabo Verde equalised again through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who found the top corner with a strike from a narrow angle to make it 2-2.
Argentina scored the decisive goal in the second half of extra time. Messi’s corner was met by Cristian Romero, whose header crossed the line after taking a slight deflection off Diney Borges.
Cabo Verde nearly forced a penalty shootout in the closing stages, but Emiliano Martinez produced a crucial save to deny Lopes Cabral from a free-kick.
With the win, Argentina progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt. Cabo Verde exited the tournament after reaching the knockout stage in their first FIFA World Cup appearance.