Messi Survives Cape Verde
Argentina edged Cape Verde in a dramatic extra-time World Cup thriller.
July 4, 2026 · Updated Jul 4, 7:00am ET
CNNArgentina survives tiny Cape Verde’s spirited challenge and everything else to know from Friday’s World Cup matches
Associated PressMessi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time thriller, advancing to World Cup Round of 16
The GuardianTiny Cape Verde steal the show against Argentina in a performance to last in World Cup lore
NBC NewsArgentina, Messi pushed to the brink by Cape Verde and its 40-year-old goalkeeper
NPRCape Verde's historic World Cup ride ends after pushing Argentina to the brink
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What happened
Argentina advanced to the World Cup Round of 16 with a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, surviving a knockout match against the tournament debutant. Lionel Messi
Lionel MessiArgentine association football player (born 1987) scored Argentina’s opening goal, but Cape Verde forced the match beyond regulation before Argentina secured the winner in extra time. Cape Verde, the smallest country to reach the World Cup knockout stage, had advanced after group-stage draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Its run ended without a win, led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha
VozinhaCape Verdean association football player (born 1986).
