Argentina survive Cape Verde scare, advance 3-2 in World Cup extra-time thriller
Defending champions Argentina narrowly escaped elimination after Cape Verde pushed them to the brink in a dramatic World Cup match. Messi opened scoring, but the underdogs levelled twice before an own goal sealed Argentina's passage to the Round of 16.
Argentina's title defence faced a major scare as they battled past Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating World Cup encounter that tested the holders' resolve. The South American powerhouse survived one of the tournament's most dramatic encounters to secure their spot in the Round of 16, though not without significant anxiety.
Argentina struck first when Lionel Messi found the back of the net, giving the defending champions an early advantage. However, Cape Verde, appearing in their maiden World Cup campaign, refused to be intimidated by their star-studded opponents. The island nation's team, dubbed the Blue Sharks, demonstrated remarkable character and tactical discipline, clawing back into the match to level the score.
The African underdogs' resilience proved remarkable throughout the contest. After Messi's opening goal, Cape Verde equalised to force the match level. Argentina restored their lead, but Cape Verde responded once more, drawing level again and forcing the match into extra time. The unpredictability of the contest kept both sides and spectators on edge as the game stretched beyond the standard 90 minutes.
The decisive moment arrived in the final stages of extra time when an own goal—a costly defensive mishap—handed Argentina the winner. The error proved to be the tournament's turning point in this particular match, ultimately determining who progressed and who exited the competition. Despite the victory, Argentina's narrow margin of success highlighted the quality and determination Cape Verde had brought to their World Cup debut.
Meanwhile, Messi's goal in this match contributed to his commanding performance in the tournament's Golden Boot race, where he continues to lead the list of top scorers. His continued excellence has been a key factor in Argentina's campaign, even as the team faces stiffer challenges ahead.
Cape Verde's campaign ended with honour despite the loss. Their World Cup debut proved that emerging football nations could compete with established powerhouses, providing their small nation with invaluable experience on the world stage. For Argentina, the narrow victory served as a wake-up call ahead of increasingly difficult Round of 16 matches.
