MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – In a thrilling encounter on Friday, Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team edged out Cape Verde with a score of 3-2, securing their place in the World Cup Round of 16. This match showcased the determination and spirit of the small island nation, which pushed the reigning champions to their limits until the final minutes of extra time.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute, when Argentina took the lead through an own-goal by Cape Verde’s Diney Borges, following a header from Cristian Romero. Earlier in the match, Messi had opened the scoring with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal, while Lisandro Martinez added another for Argentina in the 103rd minute, making it 2-1.
Cape Verde, making its World Cup debut, displayed remarkable resilience, with Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte scoring equalizers that stunned the pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida. This match not only highlighted the skills of the players but also the unpredictability of football at the international level.
Argentina will continue their campaign by facing Egypt, who advanced after beating Australia in a penalty shootout, in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Cape Verde’s remarkable journey to the knockout stage was an achievement few anticipated, as they became the smallest nation to reach this round in World Cup history. With exceptional performances from their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who made 10 crucial saves against Argentina—including five against Messi—Cape Verde secured surprising draws against heavyweights like Spain and Uruguay, as well as against Saudi Arabia.
Messi’s performance further solidified his legacy, as he scored his seventh goal of the tournament, surpassing France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot. With 12 goals in a record eight-match scoring streak, Messi continues to extend his lead as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, now two goals ahead of Mbappé.
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