Argentina nearly became the punchline of the 2026 World Cup. Instead, Cristian Romero’s deflected header in the 111th minute rescued the defending champions from what would have been a historically embarrassing exit, sealing a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Cape Verde, playing in their first-ever World Cup match, equalized twice against arguably the best team on the planet.
The match that nearly broke Argentina
The July 3 Round of 32 clash unfolded like a screenplay nobody would have believed. Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal and extended his scoring streak in the tournament. But every time Argentina pulled ahead, Cape Verde dragged them back. The debutants equalized not once but twice, including once in extra time, turning what should have been a routine knockout stage fixture into a full-blown crisis for the South American giants.
It took until the 111th minute for Argentina to finally break free. Romero’s header took a deflection on its way in.
