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Lionel Messi and Argentina are through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after narrowly avoiding a historic upset against Cape Verde in the round of 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday, breaking through with a 111th minute extra-time goal.
Messi put the reigning champion ahead with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal in the 29th minute.
MESSI MAGIC ⭐️ Lionel Messi Scores His 20th FIFA World Cup™ Goal For Argentina
Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored a stunning equalizer in the 59th minute, and goalkeeper Vozinha held Argentina scoreless to force extra time.
Cape Verde LEVELS score vs Argentina 🚨 Deroy Duarte finds equalizer in second half
Argentina opened extra time with a goal from Lisandro Martínez, who assisted on Messi's opener, but Cape Verde responded moments later on a beautiful goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral, who ran into the stands to celebrate with the Cape Verde supporters.
Cape Verde pulls even AGAIN vs Argentina 🚨 Sidny Lopes Cabral curls in STUNNING goal in extra time
In the end, the reigning champions pulled through with a goal from Cristian Romero in the 111th minute. Argentina will now play Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7 at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32
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Cape Verde WC – Argentina vs. Cape Verde – 07/03/2026
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