Argentina survives Cape Verde thriller in extra time to reach World Cup last 16
Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal and an own goal in the 111th minute sent the defending champions into the round of 16, but only after Cape Verde twice fought back to force extra time in Miami.
Match overview
Argentina, the defending champions, survived a scare against Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32, winning 3-2 after extra time at Miami Stadium. The Albiceleste took the lead through Lionel Messi in the 29th minute, but Cape Verde equalised twice and forced the match into extra time. A 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges ultimately sent Argentina through to the last 16.
Messi's milestone
Messi's first-half strike was his seventh goal of the tournament, making him the top scorer at this World Cup, and his 20th career World Cup goal, extending his own record. The Inter Miami forward also provided the corner that led to Lisandro Martinez's goal in the 92nd minute and the decisive own goal. Despite his contributions, Messi was critical of the team's performance.
We knew it would be a very tough match. This team hadn't lost to Spain or Uruguay. We did the hardest thing, scoring first, and I thought we'd be calmer, but the opposite happened.
Cape Verde's fightback
Cape Verde, the surprise package of the tournament, refused to buckle. Deroy Duarte levelled in the 59th minute after a pass from captain Ryan Mendes. Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, made seven crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. After Argentina went ahead again in extra time, Sidny Lopes Cabral's spectacular long-range effort in the 103rd minute made it 2-2, stunning the South Americans.
- 29' - Lionel Messi scores after a long pass from Lisandro Martinez.
- 59' - Deroy Duarte equalises for Cape Verde with a shot through the legs of Lisandro Martinez.
- 92' - Lisandro Martinez restores Argentina's lead from a Messi corner.
- 103' - Sidny Lopes Cabral levels again with a long-range strike.
- 111' - Diney Borges scores an own goal from another Messi corner, sealing Argentina's win.
Post-match reaction
Messi admitted his team had many problems, particularly in pressing and coordination. "We lost the ball, we didn't press well, and they attacked with their weapons. This is a knockout match and nobody gives you anything for free," he said. He stressed the need to rest and correct the "many bad things" before the next round.
What's next
Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16. Messi highlighted the importance of aerial strength, noting that his side has several good headers of the ball. The match is another step in a tournament that Messi described as "very complicated, with all matches very difficult."
