Argentina survived one of the biggest scares of the World Cup after beating Cape Verde 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 32 match.
The defending champions were pushed deep into extra time by a brave Cape Verde side that refused to surrender.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the first half. Deroy Duarte then stunned Argentina with a second-half equaliser.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, but Cape Verde hit back again through Sidny Lopes Cabral.
Finally, Cristian Romero headed in the winner in the 111th minute to send Argentina into the last 16.
It was a match full of drama, courage and emotion.
It was also a night that turned Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha into a global hero.
Messi Opens the Door
Argentina started as heavy favourites.
They had topped their group and looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, arrived as one of the great stories of World Cup 2026.
They were the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage and had already won hearts with their fearless performances.
Still, most people expected Argentina to take control. That looked likely when Messi scored in the 29th minute.
The Argentina captain showed his class again with a calm finish after clever build-up play.
It was another special World Cup moment for a player who continues to make history.
However, Cape Verde did not panic.
They stayed organised and kept believing.
Vozinha Refuses to Fold
Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became the story of the match.
He produced save after save to keep his country alive.
Argentina created chances, but Vozinha stood tall.
He denied Messi, reacted quickly to dangerous balls in the box and kept Cape Verde in the contest when Argentina looked ready to pull away.
His performance gave his teammates belief.
Every save lifted Cape Verde.
Every stop frustrated Argentina.
By the end of the night, Vozinha had become more than just a goalkeeper.
He became a symbol of Cape Verde’s courage at this World Cup.
Even in defeat, his performance will be remembered as one of the great underdog displays of the tournament.
Cape Verde Shock Argentina
Cape Verde’s belief paid off in the 59th minute.
Deroy Duarte scored the equaliser and sent shockwaves through the stadium.
Suddenly, Argentina were under real pressure.
The champions had expected to control the match.
Instead, they found themselves in a fight.
Cape Verde defended with discipline, attacked with speed and showed no fear of Argentina’s stars.
The equaliser changed the mood completely.
Argentina looked nervous.
Cape Verde looked alive.
For the neutral fan, the match became one of the most exciting games of the knockout stage.
Martinez Brilliance Gives Argentina Hope
Lisandro Martinez played a key role in Argentina’s survival.
He had already helped Argentina’s attacking rhythm earlier in the match with his passing from the back.
Then, in extra time, he stepped forward when his team needed a moment.
In the 92nd minute, Martinez scored to put Argentina 2-1 ahead.
It was a huge goal.
The defender arrived with perfect timing and finished powerfully to beat Vozinha.
For Argentina, it looked like the breakthrough that would finally kill Cape Verde’s resistance.
For Martinez, it was a moment of brilliance on a night full of pressure.
He showed composure, leadership and attacking instinct.
Cape Verde Hit Back Again
Cape Verde still refused to go away.
Most teams would have collapsed after conceding so early in extra time.
Cape Verde did not.
They pushed again and found another stunning equaliser.
Sidny Lopes Cabral made it 2-2 in the 103rd minute with a brilliant strike.
The goal sent Cape Verde fans wild.
It also left Argentina stunned.
For a few minutes, the impossible felt possible.
Cape Verde were not just surviving anymore.
They were threatening to knock out the world champions.
Their players ran on emotion, pride and belief.
Argentina had to dig deeper than they expected.
Romero Breaks Cape Verde Hearts
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute.
Cristian Romero rose highest from a corner and headed Argentina back in front.
This time, Cape Verde could not respond.
The goal broke their resistance.
Argentina celebrated with relief more than joy.
They knew how close they had come to disaster.
Romero’s header sent Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt. But Cape Verde left the pitch with pride. Their players had taken the champions to the limit.
Cape Verde Leave as Heroes
Cape Verde’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreak, but their campaign will be remembered with admiration.
They came into the tournament as debutants. They leave as one of the stories of World Cup 2026.
They drew with Spain in the group stage. They reached the knockouts against all expectations.
Then they pushed Argentina to extra time in a five-goal thriller. Vozinha’s heroics will live long in the memory.
Duarte and Cabral gave Cape Verde moments of pure joy. The team showed the world that small nations can dream big on the biggest stage.
Argentina Survive, But Questions Remain
Argentina are through, but this performance will worry Lionel Scaloni.
His team had to work much harder than expected.
They created chances, but they also looked vulnerable when Cape Verde attacked.
They also struggled to finish the game when they had control. Still, champions often survive difficult nights. Argentina did exactly that.
Messi scored. Martinez delivered. Romero rescued the team at the end.
The result keeps Argentina’s title defence alive. However, the warning is clear. Every match from here will be dangerous.
Cape Verde proved that no opponent can be taken lightly. Argentina move on to face Egypt, but they will know they escaped a historic upset.