Defending champions Argentina survived a determined challenge from Cape Verde to claim a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and secure their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni’s side needed more than 120 minutes to overcome the resilient African nation, with substitute Lautaro Martínez scoring a crucial extra-time winner before an unfortunate own goal deep into the second period of extra time sealed Argentina’s passage.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle but found Cape Verde difficult to break down. Their patience paid off in the 29th minute when captain Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance, finishing a flowing move to give La Albiceleste a deserved lead.
Cape Verde refused to be intimidated by the reigning world champions and returned after the break with renewed confidence. Their persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute when Duarte struck the equaliser, silencing the Argentine supporters and setting up a tense finish.
Neither side could find a winner in normal time, forcing the contest into extra time. Argentina regained the advantage in the 92nd minute as Lautaro Martínez capitalised on defensive hesitation to restore his side’s lead.
However, Cape Verde responded once again through Lopes Cabral, who found the back of the net in the 103rd minute to level the score at 2-2 and keep their historic World Cup dream alive.
With the match seemingly destined for penalties, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute when a dangerous cross into the penalty area forced Borges into turning the ball into his own net under pressure, handing Argentina a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The reigning champions were far from their fluent best but showed the resilience expected of title contenders. Messi once again inspired his team, while Martínez’s impact from the bench proved decisive as Argentina escaped one of the biggest scares of their title defence.
Cape Verde leave the tournament with enormous credit after pushing the defending champions to the limit. Their fearless display highlighted the nation’s rapid rise on the international stage despite the heartbreaking defeat.
Argentina now progress to the Round of 16, where Scaloni will hope his side can rediscover the consistency that carried them to World Cup glory four years ago.
