Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Lionel Messi scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami and book a place in the Round of 16. The defending champions were pushed to the limit by the tournament debutants before Cristian Romero's decisive header, which deflected in off Diney Borges for an own goal, secured victory. Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta after Mohamed Salah's side eliminated Australia.
Messi delivers another moment of brilliance
Returning to the city where he plays club football for Inter Miami, Messi once again produced the moment that ignited Argentina.
The 39 year old controlled Lisandro Martinez's pass with trademark composure before lifting a superb finish beyond Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to open the scoring.
The goal was Messi's seventh of the tournament and his 20th at FIFA World Cup finals, while also extending his remarkable streak of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
His latest strike also strengthened his lead over France's Kylian Mbappe in the race to become the tournament's all time leading scorer.
Cape Verde refuse to surrender
Cape Verde continued one of the most inspiring stories of the World Cup by refusing to be overawed against the reigning champions.
The Blue Sharks had already impressed during their tournament debut by drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage to reach the knockout rounds.
They found a deserved equaliser shortly after the hour when Ryan Mendes set up Deroy Duarte, who drilled a low finish beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Cape Verde's confidence continued to grow as they repeatedly tested the Argentine defence.
Extra time drama unfolds
Argentina regained the lead early in extra time through Lisandro Martinez.
The Manchester United defender reacted quickest after a corner and fired home to seemingly put the South Americans back in control.
Cape Verde responded once again with one of the standout goals of the tournament.
Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner before celebrating with supporters in the stands, silencing the large Argentine contingent inside the stadium.
With penalties looming, Argentina finally found the decisive breakthrough.
Messi delivered another dangerous corner and Cristian Romero's header took a deflection off defender Diney Borges before finding the net for the decisive own goal.
Argentina survive late scare
Even after taking the lead for the third time, Argentina faced anxious moments in the closing stages.
Cape Verde launched one final wave of attacks and nearly forced penalties again, only for Emiliano Martinez to produce an outstanding save by tipping another powerful effort from Lopes Cabral over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed Argentina's place in the last 16 after one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament.
Fairytale ends with pride
Although Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup journey came to an end, the African nation earned widespread admiration for its performances.
Coach Bubista had described facing Argentina as "the game of our lives" before kick off, and his players delivered a fearless display that pushed the world champions for more than 120 minutes.
Goalkeeper Vozinha again impressed after previously starring against Spain, while defenders Pico Lopes and Diney Borges made several crucial interventions throughout the contest.
The tournament has marked a historic first World Cup appearance for Cape Verde and provided one of the competition's biggest success stories.
Egypt awaits in Round of 16
Argentina will now prepare for a Round of 16 clash against Egypt in Atlanta.
Egypt advanced after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout, setting up a meeting with the reigning world champions.
While Argentina remains on course to defend its title, the demanding victory over Cape Verde highlighted that Lionel Scaloni's side cannot afford any drop in intensity as the knockout stage continues.
