By Frank Ulom
Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging a spirited Cabo Verde 3-2 in an enthralling extra-time contest.
The World Champions were pushed to the limit as Cape Verde twice came from behind before defender Cristian Romero headed home the decisive winner in extra time to keep Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive.
Argentina began brightly after surviving an early scare when Cape Verde tested goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez inside the opening 10 minutes.
Despite the early pressure, Argentina gradually took control through patient possession and found the breakthrough with a moment of brilliance. Defender Lisandro Martínez delivered a long pass over the defence, allowing captain Lionel Messi to expertly control the ball before calmly finishing to hand his side a 1-0 lead.
Argentina created further opportunities before the interval, with Enzo Fernández twice denied by the Cape Verde defence, while Messi remained a constant threat. However, the South Americans failed to extend their advantage before half-time.
Cape Verde responded impressively after the break and deservedly levelled the match when Fernández failed to track Deroy Duarte, who turned smartly before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
The equaliser unsettled Argentina, whose usually composed play became increasingly frantic. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced two outstanding saves to deny Messi, first in a one-on-one situation and later from a stoppage-time free-kick, forcing the match into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead early in the additional period as Lisandro Martínez powered a fine finish into the roof of the net.
Cape Verde refused to surrender and equalised once more through Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose stunning strike from a tight angle flew into the top corner to make it 2-2.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive moment. Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that Romero met with a powerful header, giving the Cape Verde goalkeeper no chance and restoring Argentina’s advantage.
Cape Verde pressed for another equaliser in the closing minutes, but Argentina held firm to secure a dramatic victory and advance to the knockout stage.
Although Argentina progressed, the performance exposed defensive vulnerabilities, while Cape Verde earned widespread praise for pushing one of the tournament favourites to the brink of elimination with a fearless display. Their spirited performance ended in defeat, but they left the competition with their reputation significantly enhanced.