FLORIDA: Defending champions Argentina sealed a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde after being pushed to the brink by the tournament debutants in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash at the Miami Stadium on Saturday.
In front of a crowd of 64,478 in Miami heat, largely dominated by Argentina supporters, Cape Verde produced a display for the ages, proving they belonged at the highest level.
The match was decided in the 111th minute, when Cape Verde’s Diney Borges’ own goal sealed the deal for Argentina.
As usual, Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi opened the scoring for La Albiceleste in the 29th minute. The 39-year-old finished an excellent assist from Lisandro Martínez to net his seventh goal of the 2026 World Cup and his record-extending 20th goal in the tournament’s history.
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However, the Blue Sharks mounted an unlikely comeback after the half-time as Deroy Duarte equalized in the 59th minute. The 27-year-old burst into the penalty area before firing through the legs of Manchester United defender Martinez and past the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
The goal forced the match into extra time after the score remained 1-1 at the end of the 90 minutes.
Argentina regained the lead through Lisandro Martínez’s super finish in the 92nd minute. The Manchester United center-back capitalized on Alexis Mac Allister’s flick from a set piece and sent it into the right corner with a powerful finish. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, who stood like a wall throughout the match, had no chance of stopping the strike.
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The match seemed done and dusted until Sidney Cabral’s stunner breathed new life into Cape Verde’s hopes, — the smallest nation playing in the World Cup. The full-back cut in from the left before curling a stunning strike into the far top corner, leaving fans inside the stadium in awe.
Eventually, Cape Verde’s resistance finally ended in the 111th minute when Diney Borges scored an own goal, handing Argentina a dramatic victory in what will be remembered as one of the tournament’s classic encounters.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the last 16 on 7 July, while Cape Verde will go back home after a memorable World Cup debut.
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