Lionel Messi scores as the defending champions edge Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to set up a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Egypt
Argentina overcame a spirited challenge from tournament debutants Cape Verde to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Miami Stadium on Friday night, keeping their title defence alive and setting up a last-16 meeting with Egypt.
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The reigning world champions were pushed to the limit by the African side, who twice came from behind before an unfortunate own goal by Diney Borges in extra time finally separated the teams after one of the most enthralling matches of the tournament.
Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute, expertly controlling a long pass from Lisandro Martínez before rifling an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net.
The strike was Messi’s seventh goal of the tournament and the 20th World Cup goal of his remarkable career.
Argentina dominated possession for much of the opening half, but Cape Verde refused to be overawed and emerged after the interval with renewed confidence.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 59th minute when Deroy Duarte collected a pass from Ryan Mendes and squeezed a composed finish past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from a tight angle to draw the sides level.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the contest moved into extra time, where the intensity only increased.
Just two minutes into the additional period, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s advantage by heading home after Alexis Mac Allister had flicked on a corner.
Cape Verde responded once again in spectacular fashion. In the 103rd minute, substitute Sidny Cabral produced one of the tournament’s standout moments, cutting inside before curling a superb effort beyond Emiliano Martínez to make it 2-2 and silence much of the Argentine support inside the stadium.
The underdogs continued to threaten and came close to completing a famous upset when Cabral forced another excellent save from Martínez late in extra time.
Argentina eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute after sustained pressure inside the Cape Verde penalty area.
Defender Cristian Romero saw his effort take a cruel deflection off Diney Borges before rolling into the net for an own goal that ended Cape Verde’s brave resistance.
Despite the defeat, Cape Verde emerged with enormous credit after matching the defending champions throughout the contest.
Goalkeeper Vozinha delivered another outstanding performance, producing eight important saves, including denying Messi in a one-on-one situation and tipping over a dangerous free-kick to keep his side in the match.
The final whistle brought visible relief for Argentina rather than unrestrained celebration, with Messi and several teammates consoling the Cape Verde players after a performance that earned widespread admiration and highlighted the African nation’s growing stature on the global stage.
The victory sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt after the Pharaohs defeated Australia on penalties earlier on Friday.
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Cape Verde, meanwhile, leave the tournament with their reputation significantly enhanced after producing one of the competition’s most memorable performances.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
