Argentina survive World Cup scare as Messis side edge past Cape Verde in extra time
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7 days · 5 summary articles
Argentina survived a World Cup scare in Miami on Friday night, defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 120-minute battle. The defending champions, led by Lionel Messi, required a 111th-minute own goal by Cape Verde’s Diney Borges to secure their place in the next stage, capping a nervy encounter that saw the African minnows twice equalize before Argentina’s eventual breakthrough.
The match, played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, began with Messi opening the scoring in the 62nd minute, but Cape Verde responded with Deroy Duarte’s equalizer in the 78th. The African side, making their World Cup debut, struck again through Sidney Lopes Cabral in the 90th minute to force extra time. Borges’ decisive own goal in the 111th minute sealed Argentina’s passage, though the final whistle was met with applause for Cape Verde’s heroic performance .
Argentina’s victory, though hard-fought, ensures they will face Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday. The result follows Colombia’s 1-0 win over Ghana, which secured the final spot in the last 16 for South American side . Egypt’s progression was confirmed earlier in the evening after a 2-1 victory over Australia, setting up a clash with the Albiceleste.
Cape Verde’s campaign, though ending in defeat, was celebrated as one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories. Goalkeeper Vozinha, who made multiple crucial saves against Messi, became an overnight sensation, with fans and pundits alike praising the team’s resilience .
Messi, who scored and provided two assists, extended his World Cup goal tally to seven in the tournament, further cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s standout performers. His leadership was pivotal in guiding Argentina through a match that tested their composure at every turn .
The result leaves Argentina as one of the last teams to progress to the knockout stages, with their path now clear for a high-stakes encounter against Egypt. For Cape Verde, their World Cup debut ends in heartbreak but with a legacy of defiance that has captivated neutrals worldwide.
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