Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions survived a grueling 120 minute fight in Miami, edging Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to keep their World Cup title defense alive. Argentina advanced, but this was far from a controlled knockout win.
The champions led twice and were pulled back twice by a Cape Verde side that played with shape, patience, and conviction. Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing high after Lisandro Martínez lifted a pass into his path. Deroy Duarte leveled before the hour mark. Martinez restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute, but Sidny Lopes Cabral stunned the stadium with a superb 103rd minute strike. Argentina finally settled the match in the 111th minute, when Cristian Romero’s header from a Messi corner deflected off Diney Borges and crossed the line.
Cape Verde Refused To Fold After Messi’s Opener
For a short spell, Messi’s goal looked as if it might restore familiar order. Martinez spotted his run and lifted the ball over the Cape Verde defense. Messi brought it under control, kept his balance, and drove his finish into the roof of the net.
Cape Verde did not lose their nerve. Their response was calm and direct. Ryan Mendes sparked the equalizer from the right side, finding space before supplying Duarte, who brought the match back to 1-1 with a composed finish.
Argentina still carried more individual threat, but the match had shifted into a contest the champions could not simply manage. Cape Verde closed passing lanes, forced hurried decisions, and broke forward with purpose whenever Argentina’s midfield stretched.
Vozinha gave the underdogs a base to play from. The veteran goalkeeper stood firm during Argentina’s strongest spells and denied Messi more than once. His saves kept Cape Verde alive long enough for the match to become uncomfortable for the holders.
Argentina Found Goals, But Not Full Control
Argentina struck quickly once extra time began. Lisandro Martinez made it 2-1 in the 92nd minute with a powerful finish, giving the champions the lead at a point when Cape Verde could have faded.
Instead, Cape Verde kept attacking. Lopes Cabral’s equalizer in the 103rd minute was the defining football moment of their night. He shaped his right footed strike with precision and curled it beyond Emiliano Martinez, pulling the match back to 2-2 and turning the final stretch into a test of Argentina’s nerve.
Cape Verde coach Bubista said, “We dignify what our country is. We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time.”
Messi then delivered the decisive set piece. His corner found Romero, whose header deflected off Borges for the goal that finally broke Cape Verde’s resistance. Argentina had survived, but the nature of the win raised serious questions about their spacing, pressing, and late match control.
Messi Still Decides Games, But Argentina Looked Tired
The result again underlined Messi’s value to Argentina. He scored the opener, remained central to their attacking rhythm, and delivered the corner that led to the winning goal. Even at this stage of his career, Argentina still look to him when games narrow into isolated moments.
The concern for Lionel Scaloni is what happened around those moments. Argentina’s lines became too stretched. Their press lost timing. Cape Verde found space between midfield and defense, then used that space well enough to force the champions into repeated recovery runs.
After the match, Messi admitted Argentina had struggled physically and said the team could not press properly because the lines were too far apart. That was a clear technical warning, not just a comment about fatigue.
Sergio Aguero, speaking on ESPN Argentina, also raised concern about the short recovery before the Egypt match. He pointed to travel, cramp, and only 4 days of rest before facing a physically strong opponent. That issue matters because Egypt also came through a draining knockout tie, beating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Cape Verde Leave With Pride And A Bigger Reputation
Cape Verde’s World Cup ended in defeat, but their campaign will not be remembered only by the scoreline. This was their tournament debut, and they reached the knockout stage after holding Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group phase. Against Argentina, they twice came from behind and took the world champions into the final 10 minutes of extra time.
The reaction after the match reflected that wider respect. A fan summed up the public mood: “Argentina won the match, but Cape Verde won the people’s hearts.” Another wrote, “Win or lose, always proud of Cape Verde.” Those comments matched the scenes back home, where thousands gathered in Praia to welcome the team after their exit.
Argentina now continues its title defense against Egypt. They do so with Messi still decisive, but with clear issues to fix. Scaloni may need a more compact midfield block, shorter gaps between defense and attack, and a more selective press rather than another open match. Cape Verde leaves the tournament beaten by the scoreline, not by the occasion.
READ MORE: Messi And Argentina Survive Cape Verde Chaos as World Cup Chase Tightens
FAQs
Q1. Why did Argentina struggle against Cape Verde?
A. Cape Verde stayed compact, broke forward well, and forced Argentina to defend long spells. Argentina’s press also lost shape as the match wore on.
Q2. Who scored for Argentina against Cape Verde?
A. Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez scored for Argentina. The winning goal came when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Diney Borges.
Q3. What was the final score of Argentina vs Cape Verde?
A. Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami.
Q4. Who does Argentina play next after Cape Verde?
A. Argentina play Egypt next. Scaloni may need a tighter midfield and a more controlled press.
Q5. Why did Cape Verde earn so much respect?
A. Cape Verde twice came from behind against the world champions. They pushed Argentina deep into extra time and left with pride.
Front row energy everywhere I go. Chasing championships and good times. 🏆🏁✨
