Defending champions Argentina almost had a huge shock on their hands before finally beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a thrilling Round of 32 match in Miami. Lionel Messi and his teammates were really tested by Cape Verde, the nation to ever play in the World Cup. This match will be remembered as one of the World Cup matches.
Messi Breaks the Deadlock
Argentina started the game like most people thought they would with Messi scoring in the minute. He timed his run behind the Cape Verde defence perfectly caught a ball from Lisandro Martínez took a quick touch and scored past goalkeeper Vozinha. This was Messis World Cup goal and his eighth World Cup match in a row with a goal. For a bit it looked like Argentina was going to cruise to a win.. Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world and playing in their first World Cup had other plans.
Cape Verde Fight Back
Before the hour mark Cape Verde equalized in a stunning way. Deroy Duarte squeezed an effort into the far corner. This was Cape Verdes ever World Cup knockout-stage goal. The crowd in South Florida mostly made up of Argentina fans was shocked. Argentina kept creating chances. Messi almost scored with a kick at the end of regulation time. Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper made another great save. Vozinha ended the match with eight saves.
An Extra-Time Rollercoaster
The 30 minutes were really dramatic. Argentina scored right away. Lisandro Martínez converted from range after a corner. Cape Verde wasn’t done yet. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a goal. He curled an effort into the far corner from a tight angle. The score was 2-2. The Miami Stadium crowd was stunned again.
Argentina finally scored the goal they needed in the minute. Messi swung in a corner. Defender Cristian Romero headed it. It took a deflection off Cape Verdes Diney Borges. It crossed the line. This was a goal. It broke Cape Verdes hearts.
A Tournament Cape Verde Will Never Forget
Even though Cape Verde exited the tournament in a way their World Cup run was amazing. They are the country to ever reach the knockout stage. Their journey included a goalless draw against Spain, a 2-2 thriller with Uruguay and another scoreless draw against Saudi Arabia. These results were enough to see them through the group stage as one of the third-placed teams.
Messi praised Cape Verde after the match saying no team can be taken lightly at this stage and commending their performance.
Whats Next for Argentina
With the win Argentina moves on to the Round of 16 where they will face Egypt in Atlanta. Messi now leads the Golden Boot race alongside Frances Kylian Mbappé. For Lionel Scalonis side the result is a chance to regroup and refocus.. The scare, against Cape Verde is a reminder that in this World Cup no match comes without a fight.
