Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the 2026 World Cup last round of 16 on Friday at the Miami Stadium in Florida.

The reigning champions opened the scoring with a goal from the skipper, Lionel Messi, off a perfect long ball from Lisandro Martinez.

After a sluggish start from Cape Verde, Deroy Duarte levelled the game for his side off an effort from Ryan Mendes that allowed the midfielder to finish into the near post to beat Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina produced several chances but failed to find the back of the net with opportunities from Messi, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, and Parades. 

Cape Verde maintained the score with an impressive defensive display, sending the game to extra time.

Lisandro Martinez doubled the advantage for Argentina off a clean delivery from Alexis Mac Allister to allow the Manchester United centre back finish into the top corner. 

Messi and Julian Alvarez produced a perfect link-up play after the goal fell short to Cape Verde’s strong defence.

The Blue Sharks got back in the game with a leveller from Sidny Lopes Cabral with an amazing curled effort, thanks to an assist from Yannick Semedo, levelling the game again.

The African underdogs were dealt a massive blow after an own goal from Diney Borges off a set-piece opportunity set up by Messi, with the ball headed in by Cristian Romero before deflecting off the Cape Verde defender.

The game ended at extra time 3-2 in Argentina’s favour as Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey for the African nation comes to an end after three draws and a loss.

Argentina progress into the last 16, facing seven-time African Champions Egypt.