Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra-time in a thrilling match, securing their place in the World Cup last 16. The game took place on Friday and showcased the resilience of the Argentine team against the underdog Cape Verde.

In the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina, the reigning champions, secured a place in the Round of 16 by defeating Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami. Key contributions came from Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martinez, and an own goal by Diney, helping Argentina overcome the challenge posed by the tournament debutants.

Lionel Messi commented on Argentina's challenging victory against Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, acknowledging that the opposing team made them work hard for their win. He humorously remarked that they 'kick the crap out of me' during the match, highlighting the physical nature of the game.

Argentina has advanced in the World Cup following a challenging match against Cape Verde, as noted by head coach Lionel Scaloni, who emphasized the team's resilience. Additionally, Egypt has also secured their place in the next round of the tournament.

Lionel Messi set nine new FIFA World Cup records during Argentina's recent victory against Cape Verde, surpassing the achievements of both Pelé and Kylian Mbappé. This performance further cements Messi's legacy in football history.

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer as Argentina advanced to the knockout stage following a 2-0 victory over Austria. Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, surpassing the previous record, after recovering from an earlier penalty miss. The match took place in Dallas, United States, according to Xinhua.