Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET): Messi Scores as Holders Escape Massive World Cup Shock

Defending champions Argentina survived one of the biggest scares of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging fearless debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a breathtaking Round of 32 encounter on Friday night.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina, but Cape Verde refused to surrender, equalising twice before an unfortunate own goal by Diney Borges nine minutes from the end of extra time finally sent Lionel Scaloni's side into the Round of 16.

The reigning world champions will now face Egypt, but they advanced only after being pushed to the absolute limit by a Cape Verde side that earned admiration across the football world despite exiting the tournament.

Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle and eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute through their captain.

Lisandro Martinez's precise diagonal pass found Messi bursting through the defence. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner produced an exquisite first touch before smashing an unstoppable finish high past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha for his seventh goal of the tournament and his 20th career World Cup goal.

It looked like another routine evening for the holders.

Cape Verde had other ideas.

The African debutants emerged from the break with renewed belief and intensity.

Their reward came in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes slipped Deroy Duarte into space inside the penalty area. Duarte drove a powerful low finish beyond Emiliano Martinez from a tight angle to level the contest and ignite celebrations among the travelling Cape Verde supporters.

Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, but Cape Verde's experienced goalkeeper Vozinha repeatedly frustrated Messi and his teammates with a string of outstanding saves.

After 90 minutes, the scores remained level at 1-1, forcing extra time.

Argentina appeared to have regained control almost immediately.

Just two minutes into extra time, defender Lisandro Martinez collected Alexis Mac Allister's flick from a corner before cutting inside and drilling a superb strike into the roof of the net to restore Argentina's advantage.

Again, Cape Verde responded.

In the 103rd minute, substitute Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the finest goals of the tournament.

Collecting possession on the left edge of the area, Cabral shifted inside before curling a magnificent right-footed strike beyond Emiliano Martínez into the top corner, sending the Miami crowd into disbelief and bringing Cape Verde level at 2-2.

The goal instantly became one of the standout moments of the World Cup.

With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough.

In the 111th minute, Cristian Romero met a Messi corner with a downward header that deflected off defender Diney Borges before looping beyond Vozinha into the net for an unfortunate own goal.

Cape Verde nearly forced penalties once again.

Cabral threatened another stunning equaliser before Emiliano Martinez produced two outstanding late saves to preserve Argentina's advantage.

When the final whistle sounded, Argentina's players collapsed in relief while Cape Verde's squad received applause from supporters after producing one of the tournament's most courageous performances.

Although eliminated, Cape Verde enhanced their growing football reputation with a fearless display against one of the favourites.

Ranked 64th in the FIFA rankings before the tournament, the tournament debutants twice came from behind against the reigning world champions and came within minutes of taking the match to penalties.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha delivered another outstanding performance, making several crucial saves to frustrate Argentina throughout the contest.

Messi and several Argentina players were seen consoling Cape Verde's players after full-time, recognising the quality and determination of their opponents.

Argentina advance to the Round of 16, where they will meet Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7.

However, Scaloni's side will know significant improvement is required if they are to successfully defend the World Cup trophy after surviving one of the greatest scares of the tournament.