Argentina survive Cape Verde scare in extra time to reach World Cup last 16

Lionel Messi inspired defending champions Argentina to a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde on Friday, as the Albiceleste survived one of the biggest scares of the FIFA World Cup to book their place in the last 16 against Egypt.

Argentina twice surrendered the lead before a cruel own goal by Cape Verde defender Diney Borges in the second period of extra time finally settled a thrilling contest at Miami Stadium, ending the Blue Sharks' remarkable debut World Cup campaign.

Pre-match favorites Argentina struggled to impose themselves early against a disciplined Cape Verde side that had already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout rounds unbeaten.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 29th minute through the inevitable Messi.

Lisandro Martínez floated a perfectly weighted pass over the top of the defense, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner controlled brilliantly before delicately lifting his finish beyond veteran goalkeeper Vozinha for his seventh goal of the tournament and 20th in World Cup history.

Argentina appeared in control heading into halftime but found themselves under increasing pressure after the break as Cape Verde emerged with renewed confidence.

The African side’s persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute when captain Ryan Mendes cut the ball back for Deroy Duarte, whose low finish squeezed past Emiliano Martínez at the near post to spark wild celebrations among the Cape Verde supporters.

Lionel Scaloni responded by introducing fresh attacking options, including Julián Álvarez and Nicolás González, as Argentina searched desperately for a winner.

Yet Cape Verde continued to frustrate the holders, with Vozinha producing several outstanding saves to deny Messi and Enzo Fernández, forcing the match into extra time.

Argentina regained the advantage just two minutes into the additional period.

Alexis Mac Allister flicked on Messi’s corner and Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest, controlling the loose ball before smashing an unstoppable left-footed strike into the roof of the net.

Cape Verde refused to surrender.

In one of the moments of the tournament, Sidny Cabral produced a stunning curling effort from the edge of the area in the 103rd minute, sending the ball into the top corner to level the score once again and leave the world champions staring at the prospect of a penalty shootout.

With the contest seemingly destined for spot kicks, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute.

Messi’s corner was glanced on by Cristian Romero, and the ball deflected off Borges and into his own net, leaving Vozinha helpless and breaking Cape Verde hearts.

Cape Verde threw everything forward in the closing minutes, but Emiliano Martínez preserved Argentina's lead with crucial saves before the final whistle confirmed the holders’ passage.

While Argentina advanced, the performance served as a warning that their title defense will require significant improvement.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, departed with immense pride after pushing the reigning world champions to the limit in one of the tournament’s most memorable matches.

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