Lionel Messi Acknowledging that Cape Verde faces a tough test, defending champion Argentina won 3-2 in overtime in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.The defending champions clinched a spot in the last 16 after being held to a draw by first-timers in a gripping game in Florida. After the game, Messi admitted Argentina had expected a difficult night and praised Cape Verde’s fearless performance.“We know it will be a very difficult game. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it’s time to rest, learn from today and focus on the next game. Also, congratulations to the Cape Verde team for their great performance,” Messi told the media after the win.Messi also highlighted Argentina’s fighting spirit after drawing twice against Cape Verde in a brilliant game.“As this team has proven many times, as I have said many times, it is competitive,” Messi said in Spanish. “We competed to the end.”Argentina looked to be in control when Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, scoring his 20th World Cup goal of his career. The skipper timed his run perfectly, latching on to Lisandro Martinez’s lofted pass before firing into the roof of the net to give Albiceleste the lead.Cape Verde, however, refused to budge. Sidney López Cabral restored the tie in regular time before Lisandro Martinez gave Argentina an early lead back in extra time. The underdog once again scored through Deroy Duarte to make the score 2-2, which put them on track for an upset.The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header beat Dini Borges’s header and sailed into the back of the net for an own goal, ensuring Argentina’s progression to the last 16, where they would face Egypt.Despite the defeat, Cape Verde won widespread praise for one of the best underdog performances in recent World Cup history. Goalkeeper Vozinha made 10 saves, including five from Messi, as the first-time World Cup side once again showed the resilience that had led them to a strong performance in the group stages.After the final whistle, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also praised the African team.“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say there are no easy opponents, today (Cape Verde) proved they are a great team.”Messi’s goal also laid the foundation for him to compete for the Golden Boot award. The Argentina captain has now scored seven goals in the World Cup, one more than France’s Kylian Mbappe, while also continuing his scoring record at the FIFA World Cup. This is also his record-breaking 12th goal in eight consecutive World Cup games.
