Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time
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- Argentina survived a major scare, beating No. 67-ranked Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the World Cup round of 32 in Miami Gardens, with Cristian Romero's 111th-minute header — deflected off Diney Borges from Messi's corner — serving as the game-winner after Emiliano Martínez saved Cabral's late free kick.
- Cape Verde equalized twice in a near-historic upset, with Deroy Duarte canceling out Messi's opener and Sidny Cabral curling in a stunning extra-time strike; goalkeeper Vozinha made eight saves to force the additional period.
- Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament — his 20th career World Cup goal, extending his men's all-time scoring record — and played the full 120 minutes, tying Kylian Mbappé atop the 2026 Golden Boot race.
- Lisandro Martínez put Argentina ahead 2-1 early in extra time and also delivered the raking pass that set up Messi's first-half opener, redeeming a frustrating, injury-plagued season at Manchester United.
- Argentina's defensive vulnerabilities — including Enzo Fernández ball-watching on Duarte's equalizer and early misplaced passes from Romero and Rodrigo De Paul — now loom large ahead of a round-of-16 meeting with Egypt in Atlanta.
Why it matters: Argentina, the No. 1 FIFA-ranked defending champion, needed 111 minutes, a deflection, and a late Martínez save to escape 67th-ranked Cape Verde — and the same defensive lapses that let Cape Verde back in twice now threaten to end Argentina's tournament against Egypt, with the source warning they'll 'go home early' if unaddressed.
