Argentina's Thrilling Advance
Argentina Advances to World Cup Last 16, Beating Resilient Cabo Verde 3-2 in Extra Time
Key Points
Messi extended his World Cup tally with a seventh goal of the tournament, moving him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Enzo Fernández was denied by a superb save from Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha late in the first half (or early in the second half), illustrating Cabo Verde's stubborn resistance.
There are conflicting reports about who scored the decisive extra-time goal: Lisandro Martínez is credited with a 92nd-minute strike in one account, while Cristian Romero is credited with a deflected header that restored the lead in another.
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a string of crucial saves, including stopping Messi and a late curling free-kick, underscoring the island nation's resilience in a historic performance.
Deroy Duarte grabbed Cabo Verde’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal, finishing clinically to level proceedings as the debutants showed their fearless spirit.
Argentina survived a heart-stopping 3-2 extra-time win over debutants Cabo Verde on Wednesday, advancing to the World Cup Round of 16 as defending champions. Lionel Messi scored his 20th career World Cup goal — and his seventh of this tournament — to take the lead in the Golden Boot standings, according to Vancouver Sun.
The match in Miami was anything but comfortable. Cabo Verde leveled twice, forcing extra time and pushing Argentina to the brink before a deflected header and a late own goal sealed the win. It was the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup knockout stage, and they made every minute count.
Messi Breaks Records But Cabo Verde Refuse to Quit
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, and Lisandro Martínez added a second to give Argentina a comfortable cushion. But Cabo Verde hit back through Deroy Duarte, who finished clinically to score the smallest nation's first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal. The teams went into halftime level at 2-2 after Sidny Cabral struck a stunning long-range effort, according to Canberra Times.
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was a constant thorn in Argentina's side. He denied Enzo Fernández with a superb save and stopped a curling Messi free-kick, according to Vancouver Sun. Argentina's star-studded attack had no easy answers against the island nation's fearless resistance.
Extra Time Drama Sends Holders Through in Miami
With the score level at 2-2 after 90 minutes, extra time brought more chaos. Cristian Romero restored Argentina's lead with a deflected header in the 111th minute, according to Canberra Times. Then Diney Borges' handball led to an own goal that put the result beyond doubt and ended Cabo Verde's brave resistance.
At the other end, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced key saves late in the match to keep Argentina ahead. Western Advocate reported the winning goal was officially credited as an own goal, wrapping up a nervy but historic night for the holders.
Messi's Golden Boot Charge Reaches New Heights
Messi's goal was his seventh of the tournament in just four games. That tally puts him alone at the top of the Golden Boot standings. His 20th World Cup goal overall is a record-breaking mark, according to Vancouver Sun. No player in history has scored more goals across World Cup tournaments.
Head Topics noted Argentina's seventh goal of the tournament came in this match alone. The team looks dangerous going forward, and Messi shows no signs of slowing down. At 37, he is playing some of the best football of this World Cup.
Argentina Face Egypt Next as Cabo Verde's Fairy Tale Ends
Argentina's reward is a Round of 16 clash against Egypt, who knocked out Australia, according to Western Advocate. It sets up another tough test for the holders. Head Topics also noted that depending on results, Argentina could face Switzerland, Colombia, or Ghana in later rounds.
For Cabo Verde, the defeat ends a historic run. They became the first nation from the African archipelago to play in a World Cup, and they nearly pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history. Their fearless style and Vozinha's heroics captured the attention of fans around the world.
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