Reigning champions Argentina move on to face Egypt in the last 16.
Cape Verde's Deroy Duarte (14) defends against Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Jul 3, 2026. (Photo: AP/Chris Carlson)
04 Jul 2026 08:32AM
(Updated: 04 Jul 2026 10:10AM)
MIAMI: Defending champions Argentina survived a monumental scare before defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to keep their World Cup dream alive on Friday (Jul 3).Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, had looked on course for a straightforward win when the talisman opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a typically composed finish.But Cape Verde refused to be overawed, and midfielder Deroy Duarte levelled the score in the 59th minute, capping a disciplined display that pushed the contest into extra time.The defending champions looked to have regained control when defender Lisandro Martínez scored in extra time, restoring Argentina’s lead.
