What You Need to Know
• Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami.
• Lionel Messi scored the opening goal in the 29th minute, marking his seventh goal of the tournament.
• Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, equalized twice before ultimately losing to Argentina.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faced a challenging match against Cape Verde on July 4, 2026, in Miami, Florida, winning 3-2 after extra time. Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte equalized shortly before the hour mark. Argentina regained the lead through Lisandro Martinez in extra time, only for Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral to level the match again in the 103rd minute. The decisive moment came when Cristian Romero scored off an own goal by Cape Verde’s Diney Borges, securing Argentina’s advancement to the last 16 of the tournament. Cape Verde’s impressive performance showcased their resilience and teamwork in their first World Cup appearance.
Why It Matters
This match highlights the competitive nature of the World Cup, where underdog teams like Cape Verde can challenge established powers. Argentina, a three-time World Cup champion, faced significant pressure from Cape Verde, ranked 67th globally. Cape Verde’s ability to equalize twice demonstrates their skill and determination, setting a precedent for future tournaments. Their performance in this match reflects the growing competitiveness of international football, where surprises can occur even against the strongest teams.
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