Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami, with Lionel Messi scoring his 20th World Cup goal.
Messi opened the scoring with a controlled finish from Lisandro Martínez’s pass, giving Argentina an early lead in front of nearly 65,000 fans.
Deroy Duarte equalised after the break when Ryan Mendes picked him out, and he drove a low shot past Emiliano Martínez.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead two minutes into extra time after a corner dropped to the defender. Cape Verde levelled again through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who struck into the top corner.
Argentina finally won the match from another corner when Cristian Romero met Messi’s delivery, and the ball went in off Diney Borges.
The result ended Cape Verde’s first World Cup knockout run after the Blue Sharks had drawn with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
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Messi also extended his scoring streak to eight straight World Cup matches.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha denied Messi in a one-on-one chance before extra time. Emiliano Martínez preserved Argentina’s lead late when he tipped over another Lopes Cabral strike.
Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.
