Lionel Messi reached another historic milestone by scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as defending champions Argentina survived a spirited Cape Verde fightback to claim a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory and book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
A heartbreaking 111th-minute own goal by Diney Borges finally ended Cape Verde’s remarkable resistance, denying the tournament debutants one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after they pushed the holders to the brink in a thrilling Round of 32 clash in Miami.
Messi’s composed first-half finish—his seventh goal in just four matches at the 2026 World Cup—put Argentina ahead and strengthened his bid for another Golden Boot as the Albiceleste eventually set up a last-16 meeting with Egypt in Atlanta.
Cape Verde push world champions to the limit
Cape Verde once again underlined why they have been one of the tournament’s revelations.
