Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 (Round of 32)
Full Time (90 Minutes): Argentina 1-1 Cape Verde
After Extra Time: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde
Venue: Miami Stadium, Florida
Date: 3 July 2026
Defending champions Argentina secured a dramatic victory in the Argentina vs Cape Verde clash, defeating the African debutants 3-2 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Cape Verde fought back to force extra time. Nevertheless, Argentina found a late winner through an own goal to book their place in the Round of 16.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Match Summary
Argentina made a bright start and controlled possession throughout the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi calmly finished to give the reigning champions a deserved lead.
Cape Verde remained organized in defense despite spending long spells without the ball. Goalkeeper Vozinha produced seven important saves to frustrate Argentina and keep his team in the contest a resilience the side also showed in their earlier draw against Uruguay in the group stage. The African side eventually found its breakthrough in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte scored a well-taken equalizer, sending the match into extra time.
The contest became even more dramatic after the additional period began. Lisandro Martínez pushed forward from defense and restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute with a clinical finish.
However, Cape Verde refused to give in. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a magnificent curling strike in the 103rd minute to level the score at 2-2 and bring the match within touching distance of a penalty shootout.
Argentina finally found the decisive moment in the 111th minute. Lionel Messi swung in a dangerous corner, Cristian Romero rose highest to meet it with a powerful header, and the ball deflected off defender Diney into his own net. The unfortunate own goal sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Argentina and secured their place in the Round of 16.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Goalscorers
Argentina
- Lionel Messi (29′)
- Lisandro Martínez (92′)
- Diney (Own Goal, 111′)
Cape Verde
- Deroy Duarte (59′)
- Sidny Lopes Cabral (103′)
Argentina vs Cape Verde Match Stats
Argentina dominated the match statistically, although Cape Verde made every opportunity count.
- Shots: Argentina 21, Cape Verde 15
- Shots on Target: Argentina 10, Cape Verde 5
- Possession: Argentina 64%, Cape Verde 36%
- Passes: Argentina 822, Cape Verde 444
- Pass Accuracy: Argentina 92%, Cape Verde 87%
- Fouls: Argentina 13, Cape Verde 12
- Yellow Cards: Argentina 1, Cape Verde 1
- Red Cards: None
- Offsides: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2
- Corners: Argentina 8, Cape Verde 8
Although Argentina controlled possession and completed more than 800 passes, Cape Verde remained dangerous on the counterattack and pushed the defending champions to the very end.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Starting Lineups
Argentina (4-1-2-3)
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada.
Substitutes used: Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel.
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1)
Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney, Sidny Lopes Cabral; Kevin Pina; Ryan Mendes, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral; Nuno da Costa.
Substitutes used: Jamiro Monteiro, Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, Hélio Varela, Yannick Semedo, Gilson Benchimol.
Argentina vs Cape Verde Key Performers
Lionel Messi once again led Argentina with an influential display. He opened the scoring, created several chances, and delivered the corner that resulted in the winning own goal continuing a tournament run that has already seen him break a World Cup record. Lisandro Martínez also made a decisive contribution by scoring early in extra time, while Cristian Romero’s commanding presence in the air created the match-winning opportunity.
Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for a fearless performance. Goalkeeper Vozinha made seven excellent saves to keep his side in contention, Deroy Duarte scored the vital equalizer in normal time, and Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout goals of the tournament with his brilliant extra-time strike a display that echoed their earlier group-stage grit against Spain and Saudi Arabia.
What This Result Means
The Argentina vs Cape Verde result sends Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after surviving one of the toughest tests of their title defense, following an earlier group-stage win against Jordan. Although Argentina dominated possession and created more chances, Cape Verde matched them with determination and resilience throughout an unforgettable contest.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, a side that has impressed after their comeback win over New Zealand and a hard-fought draw with Iran earlier in the tournament. Cape Verde leave the tournament with their reputation greatly enhanced after producing one of the most courageous performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
