In a thrilling match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina edged past Cape Verde with a 3-2 victory in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 on Friday. The Albiceleste clinched the win in extra time, aided by an unexpected own goal.
Lionel Messi set the tone by scoring the opening goal in the 29th minute with a precise shot, giving Argentina an early lead.
Cape Verde responded with an equalizer in the 59th minute, courtesy of D. Duarte, forcing Argentina to regroup and strategize.
Argentina's coach made strategic substitutions in the 63rd and 64th minutes, bringing on Julián Álvarez and Nico González for Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada.
Interestingly, Lautaro Martínez, having left the field, was credited with the 2-1 goal in the 92nd minute of added time in regular play.
Cape Verde kept their hopes alive when S. Lopes Cabral netted another equalizer in the 103rd minute of extra time, leveling the score at 2-2 and keeping the crowd on edge.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute through an unforeseen twist: an own goal by D. Borges secured a 3-2 victory for Argentina.
The match wrapped up with a yellow card for Gonzalo Montiel in the 115th minute, adding to the one received by K. Lenini of Cape Verde in the 68th minute.
Statistically, Argentina dominated the game: they commanded 64% of the possession compared to Cape Verde's 36%, attempted 22 shots (10 on target) against Cape Verde's 13 (five on target), and had eight corners to Cape Verde's seven.
Cape Verde entered the match as one of the tournament's surprise packages, having emerged from the group stage unbeaten with three draws against Spain (0-0), Uruguay (2-2), and Saudi Arabia (0-0). They became the first debutant team in history to remain undefeated in the group stage of a World Cup.
Conversely, Argentina progressed as the undisputed leaders of Group J, boasting nine points from victories over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1), with a goal difference of +7.
With this victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt, who ousted Australia in a penalty shootout, in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Cape Verde exits the tournament after marking their historic World Cup debut.
Key Moments and Stats from Argentina's Victory Over Cape Verde
How did Argentina score their winning goal against Cape Verde?
Argentina secured their victory with an own goal by D. Borges in the 111th minute, finalizing the score at 3-2.
What was Cape Verde's performance like in the group stage?
Cape Verde performed remarkably well, drawing against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, and becoming the first debutant team to remain unbeaten in the World Cup group stage.
Which team will Argentina face in the round of 16?
Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16, after Egypt defeated Australia in a penalty shootout.