Argentina survived a huge scare from FIFA World Cup debutants Cape Verde, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 encounter at Miami Stadium. Lionel Messi once again inspired the defending champions, scoring his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 after one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.
📋 Match Summary
| 🏆 Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | 4 July 2026 |
| 🏟️ Venue | Miami Stadium |
| ⚽ Result | Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (After Extra Time) |
| ⏱️ Duration | 120 Minutes |
| ⭐ Player of the Match | Lionel Messi |
| ➡️ Status | Argentina Qualify for Round of 16 |
⚽ Scoreline
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 3 |
| 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | 2 (After Extra Time) |
🥅 Goal Timeline
| ⏰ Minute | Scorer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| First Half | Lionel Messi | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
| Second Half | Deroy Duarte | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde |
| 90+2′ | Lisandro Martínez | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
| Extra Time | Sidny Cabral | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde |
| 111′ | Own Goal (Deflected off Borges) | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
🌟 Key Highlights
- ✅ Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal, extending his all-time tournament record.
- ✅ The goal was Messi’s 7th of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- ✅ Lionel Scaloni managed Argentina for the 100th time.
- ✅ Lisandro Martínez’s strike in stoppage time became the third-fastest goal ever scored in extra time at a FIFA World Cup.
- ✅ Cape Verde pushed the defending champions all the way to extra time in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
📊 Match Facts
| 📈 Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| ⚽ Argentina Goals | 3 |
| ⚽ Cape Verde Goals | 2 |
| ⏱️ Match Length | 120 Minutes |
| 🎯 Messi World Cup Goals | 20 |
| 🔥 Messi Goals in Tournament | 7 |
| 🏆 Scaloni as Argentina Coach | 100 Matches |
| ✅ Result | Argentina Advance |
🌟 Standout Performers
🇦🇷 Argentina
- ⭐ Lionel Messi
- ⭐ Lisandro Martínez
- ⭐ Alexis Mac Allister
- ⭐ Cristian Romero
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
- ⭐ Deroy Duarte
- ⭐ Sidny Cabral
- ⭐ Vozinha (Goalkeeper)
👏 Cape Verde Earn Global Respect
Although Cape Verde’s FIFA World Cup journey ended in the Round of 32, the tournament debutants produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition. After impressive performances in the group stage, they matched the defending champions for 120 minutes and left the tournament with their reputation greatly enhanced.
🇦🇷 Argentina March Into the Round of 16
Argentina eventually found the breakthrough in the 111th minute when a dangerous Messi corner resulted in an unfortunate own goal, sealing a memorable 3-2 victory. The reigning world champions remain on course to defend their FIFA World Cup title after surviving one of their toughest tests of the tournament.
📺 Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 Live
Football fans in India can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026 match live on:
- 📱 ZEE5
- 📺 Unite8 Sports
Available commentary languages include:
- 🇮🇳 Hindi
- 🇬🇧 English
- 🇲🇱 Malayalam
- 🇧🇩 Bangla
📝 Final Verdict
Lionel Messi once again delivered when Argentina needed him most, but the night also belonged to Cape Verde, whose fearless display made this one of the standout matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions progress to the Round of 16, while Cape Verde depart with immense pride after an unforgettable debut campaign.
