Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, July 3, with Lionel Messi opening the scoring at 29′ before a 111′ own goal by Diney Borges ultimately decided a tense Round of 32 fixture at Hard Rock Stadium.
For long stretches, Argentina looked in control. They finished with 63.5 percent possession, 22 shots and 10 efforts on target, using the ball patiently and pinning Cape Verde back across both flanks. The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute when Messi found the net at 29′, rewarding Argentina’s steady territorial pressure and sending the holders into the interval with a 1-0 lead.
Cape Verde, though, never let the fixture settle into a routine favorite’s win. Their shape remained compact, and when openings came, they attacked with real conviction. Deroy Duarte brought them level at 59′, turning the second half into a much more anxious contest for Argentina. It was a deserved equalizer for a side that made the most of its moments and showed impressive composure against one of the tournament favorites.
With the match level after 90 minutes, extra time opened at a frantic pace. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead at 92′, striking early in the additional period to put his side back in front at 2-1. Yet Cape Verde responded again, this time through Sidny Lopes Cabral at 103′, as Argentina were pulled back once more in a fixture that kept swinging from one side to the other.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute, and it was a cruel one for Cape Verde. Under pressure in their own area, Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net at 111′, handing Argentina a 3-2 advantage they would not relinquish. Cape Verde pushed for another reply in the closing stages, while Gonzalo Montiel’s yellow card at 115′ reflected Argentina’s late scramble to see the result through.
Tactically, the match was shaped by Argentina’s control versus Cape Verde’s efficiency. Argentina matched Cape Verde’s eight corners, circulated possession cleanly and consistently found entries into the final third, but they were also vulnerable in transition and on second phases. Cape Verde finished with 16 shots and five on target, a strong return for a side that spent less time on the ball but remained dangerous throughout.
Key performers
Messi was again central to Argentina’s attacking rhythm, and his 29′ goal set the tone for much of the evening. Lisandro Martínez’s 92′ finish was also pivotal, briefly restoring order at the start of extra time. For Cape Verde, Duarte at 59′ and Sidny Lopes Cabral at 103′ delivered two memorable goals that nearly produced one of the tournament’s standout results.
NerdSports Stat: Argentina had 63.5 percent possession and 10 shots on target, but needed a 111′ own goal to separate the sides after Cape Verde scored twice from just five efforts on target.
The result sends Argentina into the World Cup round of 16, but this was far from a straightforward passage for the defending heavyweights. Cape Verde exit with considerable credit after pushing the South Americans all the way in Miami Gardens, while Argentina’s next fixture will bring renewed scrutiny after such a narrow escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Argentina: Lionel Messi (29′), Lisandro Martínez (92′), and a Diney Borges own goal (111′). Cape Verde: Deroy Duarte (59′) and Sidny Lopes Cabral (103′).
Argentina 3 – 2 Cape Verde.
This was a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 fixture, so Argentina advance to the round of 16 and Cape Verde are eliminated.
Lionel Messi was the standout performer with Argentina’s opening goal at 29′ and his usual influence in possession.
