Argentina survived one of the biggest scares in World Cup history Friday, needing an own goal deep into extra time to edge fearless debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a breathtaking round-of-32 clash that showcased the expanding global reach of the tournament.
The defending champions appeared destined for a routine victory after Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Cape Verde twice battled back to stun the Albiceleste before Diney Borges' unfortunate own goal in the 111th minute finally ended one of the tournament's greatest underdog stories.
Argentina, chasing the first successful World Cup title defense since Brazil in 1962, advance to face Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta.
But Lionel Scaloni's side were pushed to their absolute limit by a nation ranked 65 places below them by FIFA.
Messi fired Argentina ahead in the 29th minute with his tournament-leading seventh goal and 20th career World Cup strike, seemingly putting the holders on course for another comfortable victory.
