Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as Messi Hits 20th World Cup Goal to Reach Last 16

Argentina were pushed to the brink in Miami before edging past debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, with Lionel Messi scoring his 20th World Cup goal to send the defending champions into the last 16.

Messi’s seventh goal of the tournament a moment of trademark control and precision appeared to put Argentina firmly in charge.Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare as Messi Hits 20th World Cup Goal to Reach Last 16

Argentina were pushed to the brink in Miami before edging past debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, with Lionel Messi scoring his 20th World Cup goal to send the defending champions into the last 16.

Messi’s sublime control and finish his seventh goal of the tournament in four games appeared to put Argentina in control, but the Blue Sharks refused to fade. Deroy Duarte equalised on the hour, forcing Argentina to expend far more energy than expected in the oppressive Florida heat.

Extra time delivered more drama. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to unleash a spectacular top‑corner strike that stunned the 65,000‑strong crowd, many draped in sky‑blue and white.

The breakthrough finally came from a corner: Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Messi’s delivery, with the ball deflecting off Diney Borges for an own goal that sealed Argentina’s passage.

Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta, though concerns linger over fatigue and defensive lapses.

Cape Verde’s run has been one of the stories of the tournament. In their first World Cup appearance, they held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H before pushing the world champions to 120 minutes. Coach Bubista had called the clash with Messi “the game of our lives,” and his team delivered a spirited performance worthy of that promise.

Messi, returning to the city where he plays for Inter Miami, was treated like a deity throughout every touch greeted with roars from a crowd that turned the stadium into a sea of Argentina colours.

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