The defending World Cup champions survived a pulsating, 120-minute rollercoaster against a heroic Cabo Verde side on Friday, securing a 3-2 victory after extra time to book their place in the Round of 16. The Albiceleste took the lead twice only for the resilient Blue Sharks to answer back each time, before a late heartbreak finally settled the epic encounter.

Match Summary

• Final Score: Argentina 3-2 Cabo Verde (AET)
• Argentina Goals: Lionel Messi (29′), Lisandro Martínez (92′), Diney Borges (OG 111′)
• Cabo Verde Goals: Deroy Duarte (59′), Sidny Lopes Cabral (103′)
• Next Up: Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16.

How the Drama Unfolded

Messi Sets Another Milestone

The match began with Argentina controlling the tempo, and it was none other than Lionel Messi who broke the deadlock just after the first-half hydration break. Controlling a pinpoint ball over the top from defender Lisandro Martínez, the legendary No. 10 deftly lifted the ball over an onrushing Vozinha. The strike marked Messi’s 20th career goal at the global showpiece, vaulting him back into the lead for the adidas Golden Boot race.

The Blue Sharks Strike Back

Despite Argentina maintaining the lion’s share of possession after the interval, Cabo Verde refused to back down. In the 59th minute, a slick attacking move down the right wing turned the game on its head. Ludogorets midfielder Deroy Duarte found himself in space inside the penalty area and finished with clinical precision, sending the ball through the legs of Lisandro Martínez and past a helpless Emiliano Martínez to level the score.

As the clock ticked down, Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha turned into a brick wall, making several spectacular saves—including a crucial point-blank stop against Messi—to miraculously send the match into extra time.

An Extra-Time Rollercoaster

It took Argentina just two minutes of the extra period to retake the lead. Following a corner kick, Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to a loose ball, lashing a powerful strike over Vozinha at the near post.

Yet, the CAF representatives still wouldn’t lie down. In the 103rd minute, left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a moment of pure magic, curling an unbelievable strike from the edge of the box into the top corner to net one of the goals of the tournament and make it 2-2.

With only ten minutes remaining in extra time, Cabo Verde’s historic dream finally ran ashore. A dangerous, whipping corner from Lionel Messi caused chaos in the six-yard box, leading to an agonizing own goal by Diney Borges.

Looking Ahead

Argentina managed to hold onto their slim lead through the final whistle, breathing a massive sigh of relief. While Cabo Verde exits the tournament with their heads held incredibly high after a valiant performance, the defending champions march on to face Egypt in the knockout stages.