**Messi Scores Again as Argentina Survives Cape Verde Upset in World Cup Thriller**
*Published on July 4, 2026*
In an exhilarating World Cup match held in South Florida, Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2, securing their advancement to the round of 16. The match showcased the talents of Lionel Messi, who scored his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal, and highlighted the resilience of the underdog Cape Verde, which pushed the reigning champions to the brink until the final minutes of extra time.
The game began with Messi making his mark early on. In the 29th minute, he capitalized on a perfectly timed pass from Lisandro Martinez, deftly evading the Cape Verde defense. With a quick touch, Messi sent a powerful shot into the roof of the net, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead and further solidifying his status as one of the tournament's standout players.
As the match progressed, Cape Verde responded with a spirited performance that stunned many in the pro-Argentina crowd. The island nation, making its World Cup debut, was determined to make a statement. They equalized in the 62nd minute when Sidny Lopes Cabral found the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-1. Just moments later, Argentina regained the lead through Lisandro Martinez, who scored in the 103rd minute, putting his team ahead 2-1.
However, Cape Verde was not finished. In a remarkable display of tenacity, Deroy Duarte scored the equalizer again, leveling the match at 2-2 and sending shockwaves through the stadium. The match remained tense as both teams battled for control, with Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, making crucial saves to keep his team in contention. Vozinha, at 40 years old, showcased his skills with ten saves, five of which were against Messi, highlighting his impressive performance throughout the tournament.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero's header deflected off Cape Verde's Diney Borges, resulting in an own goal that ultimately secured the victory for Argentina. This unexpected turn of events underscored the unpredictability of the match and the challenges faced by the reigning champions.
With this victory, Argentina advanced to face Egypt in the next round, following Egypt's earlier win against Australia in a penalty shootout. Messi's performance in this match further solidified his position in the Golden Boot race, as he now leads with seven goals in the tournament, one ahead of France's Kylian Mbappe.
Cape Verde's journey in this World Cup has been remarkable, as they became the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage. Their unexpected draws against powerhouse teams like Spain and Uruguay, along with a notable performance against Saudi Arabia, have made their debut one to remember. Despite their exit from the tournament, Cape Verde's spirited display against Argentina will be remembered as a highlight of their World Cup experience.
As the tournament continues, Argentina will look to build on their success and maintain their status as contenders for the title, while Cape Verde can take pride in their achievements and the legacy they have created in their first-ever World Cup appearance.