Argentina's Narrow Escape: How Cape Verde Nearly Stole the Show
Lionel Messi's team beat the African island nation in extra time on Friday.
July 3, 2026, 9:25 PM
In a roller coaster World Cup match, Argentina narrowly beat the African island nation of Cape Verde 3-2 in a game that extended into extra time.
Cape Verde, which has defied the odds in its first World Cup showcase, lost to Lionel Messi's team on Friday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
With the win, Argentina now advances to the round of 16 game, which will be played against Egypt in Atlanta on July 7.
Argentina's Cristian Romero (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring their third goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026.
Marta Lavandier/AP Photo
Cape Verde -- which has a population of roughly 500,000 -- quickly became a darling of the 2026 World Cup. The island country, ranked 67th in the world, faced off impressively against the world's No. 1 defending champion.
The nation in the mid-Atlantic Ocean lies about 300 miles from the west coast of Africa. It's made up of 10 islands and several smaller islets.
The match saw Messi add another goal to his resume in the 29th minute of the game. The legendary Argentinian captain has now scored seven goals this World Cup.
For Cape Verde, Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute, equalizing the game 1-1 at the time.
Sidny Lopes Cabral #13 of Cabo Verde celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Argentina snuck ahead just three minutes into extra time, with Lisandro Martínez powering the ball into the roof of the net after a corner kick.
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Then, in the 14th minute of extra time, Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral curled the ball in the net for the country's second goal, another equalizer to make it 2-2.
The game ultimately went in Argentina's direction after Cristian Romero’s header goal in the 111th minute, which was deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges.
Cape Verde's Cinderella run has come to a close, but the nation's debut on the world's largest stage is sure to become one of the biggest stories from this year's World Cup.