Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde World Cup 2026: Messi Survives Thriller in Extra Time

Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time at the 2026 World Cup in Miami. It was a knockout match - the losing team goes home.

The defending champions almost suffered one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. Cape Verde - the smallest nation ever in a World Cup knockout - equalized twice before an own goal in the 111th minute ended their dream.

Final score

Argentina 3 - Cape Verde 2 (after extra time)

Minute	Who scored	Team
29’	Lionel Messi	Argentina
59’	Deroy Duarte	Cape Verde
92’	Lisandro Martínez	Argentina
103’	Sidny Lopes Cabral	Cape Verde
111’	Diney Borges (own goal)	Argentina

Where was the game?

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This was a Round of 32 match - one of the last 16 teams left.

What happened - in simple words

First half - Messi opens the scoring

Argentina controlled the ball. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha - already an internet star after holding Spain to 0-0 - made early saves.

At minute 29, Lisandro Martínez played a through ball. Lionel Messi finished with his left foot into the top corner. 1-0 Argentina.

That goal also made Messi the first player in history to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches - and his 20th career World Cup goal.

Second half - Cape Verde stun Miami

At minute 59, Deroy Duarte equalized. The stadium went quiet. Cape Verde were level with the world champions.

Vozinha kept making saves - including from Messi free kicks. After 90 minutes, the score was still 1-1. Extra time.

Extra time - chaos, then Argentina survive

At minute 92, Lisandro Martínez smashed a shot into the top corner. 2-1 Argentina.

Then Cape Verde did it again. At minute 103, Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a stunning goal from the edge of the box. 2-2. Many called it a goal of the tournament.

At minute 111, Messi swung in a corner. Cristian Romero headed it - the ball hit Diney Borges and went in. Own goal. 3-2 Argentina.

Cape Verde had late chances but could not score again. Full time. Argentina go through.

Why this matters

Cape Verde played their first World Cup and almost beat the champions. They equalized twice. Vozinha made eight saves. They leave as heroes.

Argentina stay alive - but they were pushed harder than anyone expected. Next they face Egypt in the Round of 16.

Quick summary

• Result: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (extra time)
• Messi: goal at 29’, record 8 straight World Cup games with a goal
• Cape Verde: equalized twice, almost made history
• Winner: Argentina
• Next for Argentina: Egypt

The fairytale ended in Miami. The champions barely survived.