Lionel Messi’s late brilliance and a deflected winner from Cristian Romero saw Argentina edge Cape Verde 3–2 after extra time in a thrilling World Cup round-of-32 tie that ended the African island nation’s fairytale run.
Messi opened the scoring in the first half, converting an early chance to give the holders the lead and set up what looked like a routine victory.
But Cape Verde, managed by Bubista and playing with fearless intent, responded through Deroy Duarte, who levelled to send the match into an additional 30 minutes and keep his country’s historic campaign alive.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha produced a remarkable performance, finishing the game with eight saves that repeatedly kept his side in contention.
In extra time Argentina regained the advantage when Lisandro Martínez powered home from a corner, a classic set-piece finish that looked to have settled the tie.
Cape Verde refused to fold: Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the tournament’s most memorable goals, curling a superb strike from the edge of the area to bring the score back to 2–2 and ignite wild celebrations among the underdogs’ travelling fans.
With momentum swinging and fatigue setting in, the decisive moment came from another Messi assist. His delivery from a corner found Cristian Romero, whose header took a vital deflection off Diney Borges and looped beyond Vozinha to give Argentina a 3–2 lead.
The reigning champions held on in the remaining minutes to book a place in the last 16.
The result ends Cape Verde’s inspirational run on football’s biggest stage, but their performance, highlighted by tactical discipline, moments of individual brilliance and a heroic goalkeeper display, will be remembered as one of the tournament’s great David-versus-Goliath stories.
For Argentina, the victory was another demonstration of resilience and the enduring influence of Messi, whose creative spark continues to define their campaign as they defend the title.
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