Argentina survives Cape Verde scare in extra-time thriller at World Cup
Lionel Messi scored his seventh goal of the tournament but defending champions Argentina needed extra time and an own goal to beat debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 16.
Argentina narrowly avoided a stunning upset in the World Cup round of 16, defeating debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami Gardens. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but the African side equalized twice, forcing the match into an additional 30 minutes before an own goal by Diney Borges in the 111th minute finally settled the contest.
Messi's milestone night
Messi's first-half strike was his seventh of the tournament and 20th career World Cup goal, extending his lead in both categories. He also played his 30th World Cup match, a record. The 39-year-old suffered a blow to the face from a defender's knee late in regulation, causing visible swelling on his forehead, but he continued and iced the injury after the match.
Honestly, we knew it would be a very tough match. It's no coincidence that this team didn't lose to Spain or Uruguay. Scoring the first goal was the hardest, but instead of taking control, the opposite happened.
Cape Verde's double comeback
Cape Verde, who had drawn all three group-stage matches including a 0-0 with Spain, refused to fold. Deroy Duarte leveled in the 59th minute, and after Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina's lead in the 92nd, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning strike from the edge of the box in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2. The goal was immediately hailed as a candidate for the best of the tournament.
- 29' – Messi scores (1-0)
- 59' – Duarte equalizes (1-1)
- 92' – Martinez scores (2-1)
- 103' – Lopes Cabral equalizes (2-2)
- 111' – Borges own goal (3-2)
Argentina finally secured the win when Cristian Romero's header deflected off Borges and into the net. Cape Verde pushed for a third equalizer but fell short.
Out of 100 matches, this is one of the most memorable for me as a coach. Because it's the World Cup, because so much happened. I also have to give credit to our opponents. They proved they are a great team.
What's next
Argentina will face Egypt in the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 18:00. Egypt advanced by beating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Arlington. Colombia also moved on, defeating Ghana 1-0.
