Lionel Messi and Argentina had to work a lot harder than expected on Friday night, surviving a stunning scare from Cape Verde to advance to the World Cup Round of 16 with a thrilling extra-time win at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Argentina Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Result
Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute, but Cape Verde refused to give up their fairy tale quietly, as Deroy Duarte drew the tournament’s biggest debutants level in the second half to force extra time in front of a stunned Miami audience.
Messi Opens The Scoring
The Argentina captain rounded off another stunning World Cup with a trademark precision goal in the 29th minute to become the first player to score in seven straight World Cup appearances. The goal put Argentina comfortably in charge of what appeared to be a routine night for the defending champions.
Cape Verde refuses to go down.
But Cape Verde had other plans. In the signature feature of their whole tournament run, the event’s most recognised debutants refused to accept their fate. Deroy Duarte’s equaliser threw the Cape Verde fans inside Hard Rock Stadium into hysteria and took the game to extra time in what should have been Argentina’s most comfortable fixture at this World Cup.
Drama in Extra Time
There was much more drama in extra time. Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez seemed to put his side ahead again before Cape
Sidney Lopes Cabral of Cape Verde reacted instantly to level the score for a second time, taking the game to what would have been a penalty shootout. Argentina Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Result
The Breaking Point
A late shot from an Argentinian bounced off a Cape Verde defender and past goalkeeper Vozinha for an own goal that proved to be the crucial moment of the contest. The goal was initially awarded to Cristian Romero when an official review concluded that the last touch came from a Cape Verde player, ending one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament.
Fairytale Ends in Dignified Manner
Cape Verde’s World Cup tale is over, but what a story it has been. The smallest nation in World Cup history to make their inaugural appearance at the tournament went three draws against Spain, Uruguay and Jordan before taking Argentina to the extreme limit in extra time. Goalkeeper Vozinha, the 40-year-old fireman with 14 million followers on Instagram, once again delivered an astonishing performance that will be remembered by all who saw it. Argentina Cape Verde World Cup 2026 Result
Warning signs in Argentina
Argentina progressed, but this performance will raise serious doubts ahead of the Round of 16. Scaloni’s side were stretched more than anticipated by a Cape Verde squad who had already been knocked out of the prospects of qualifying for the playoffs, and the defending champions will need a big improvement in their next game against Egypt on Tuesday, July 7 in Atlanta.
Final Score: Argentina 2-1 Cape Verde (after extra time)
Scorers: Messi (29’), Duarte (Cape Verde), L. Martinez, S. Cabral (Cape Verde), Own Goal (Cape Verde)
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Next match: Argentina v Egypt, Round of 16, Tuesday, July 7, Atlanta
Follow USANewsPoint.blog for continuous World Cup 2026 coverage as Argentina resume their title defence!
(FAQs)
1. What was the Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 result?
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, with Lionel Messi scoring as the defending champions advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
2. Where can I watch Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 highlights?
Official highlights are available on FIFA’s digital platforms and through licensed sports broadcasters after the match.
3. What is the Argentina Cape Verde World Cup 2026 result today?
Today’s result saw Argentina edge Cape Verde 3-2 in an extra-time thriller to secure a place in the Round of 16.
4. What time was the Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 match played?
The Round of 32 match kicked off on July 3, 2026, with the exact local time depending on your region and broadcaster.
5. Was the Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 result live available online?
Yes. Live scores, match commentary, and statistics were available through FIFA’s official platforms and major sports media websites.
6. Who scored for Argentina against Cape Verde?
Lionel Messi was among the scorers, helping Argentina secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
7. Who will Argentina face next in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 after defeating Cape Verde in the knockout stage.
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Sarah Williams is a sports news reporter covering all major American sports including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. With 4 years of experience in sports journalism, Sarah specializes in breaking news, trending stories, and exclusive sports updates. Her fast-paced reporting style keeps sports fans informed and engaged. Sarah is a core member of the USA News Point editorial team.
