Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit by a spirited Cape Verde side before sealing a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory to progress to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi handed the South Americans the lead in the 29th minute after being set up by Lautaro Martínez, giving Argentina a slender 1-0 advantage at half-time.
Cape Verde, however, refused to be overawed by the reigning world champions and deservedly drew level in the 59th minute through D. Duarte, who converted a pass from R. Mendes.
The African minnows continued to frustrate Argentina with a disciplined display, forcing the contest into extra time after the sides remained deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of normal time.
Lautaro Martínez looked to have finally broken Cape Verde’s resistance when he restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute, finishing from Alexis Mac Allister’s assist.
Yet Cape Verde once again produced a remarkable response as S. L. Cabral equalised in the 103rd minute following excellent work by J. S. Monteiro, ensuring another twist in an enthralling encounter.
Argentina eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute when D. Borges inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing Lionel Scaloni’s men a 3-2 lead.
Gonzalo Montiel was shown a red card in the 115th minute, forcing Argentina to play out the closing stages with 10 men, but the holders held firm to secure their place in the round of 16.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde won widespread admiration for an outstanding performance that came within minutes of producing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, while Argentina lived to fight another day after surviving a stern examination from the resilient African nation.
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