Argentina advanced to a round-of-16 meeting with Egypt, but the night belonged almost as much to Cape Verde, whose players twice came from behind and stood within minutes of forcing a penalty shootout against a side led by Lionel Messi. The result ended Cape Verde’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament, yet their performances across four matches altered perceptions of what a debutant from a small football nation can achieve on the world stage.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, controlling a lofted pass from Lisandro Martinez before beating goalkeeper Vozinha. The goal added another entry to a remarkable tournament for the Argentina captain, who has continued to shape games deep into the knockout phase of what is expected to be his final World Cup.
Cape Verde did not retreat after the setback. Bubista’s side stayed compact, slowed Argentina’s rhythm and relied on quick passing when space opened on the break. Their equaliser arrived just before the hour mark when Ryan Mendes found Deroy Duarte inside the area and the midfielder finished past Emiliano Martinez to bring the match level.
Argentina, who had controlled possession for long periods, struggled to convert pressure into comfort. Vozinha, 40, produced key saves to keep Cape Verde alive, including stops from Messi as the champions searched for a second goal. Kevin Pina’s composure in defence and midfield also helped Cape Verde resist Argentina’s attempts to pull the match open.
The contest moved into extra time with Argentina under visible strain. Martinez restored the holders’ advantage early in the added period, driving the ball high into the net after Cape Verde failed to clear a corner. That might have broken a less disciplined side, but Cape Verde again responded with confidence.
Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the standout moments of the match when he curled a fine strike beyond Emiliano Martinez in the 103rd minute. The goal revived Cape Verde’s hopes and briefly placed Argentina on the edge of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup knockout history.
The decisive moment came six minutes into the second half of extra time. Messi’s corner created panic in the Cape Verde defence, and the ball went in after contact involving Cristian Romero and defender Diney Borges. The goal was enough to send Argentina through, though Cape Verde continued to threaten in the closing stages. Lopes Cabral forced another save from Emiliano Martinez with a free-kick as the champions defended anxiously until the final whistle.
Cape Verde’s campaign had already crossed historic lines before kick-off. The Atlantic island nation, making its World Cup debut, reached the knockout phase after group-stage draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. They were the only debutants to reach the last 32 and entered the tournament ranked far below most established contenders.
Their progress was built on organisation rather than chance. Cape Verde conceded little space between the lines, pressed selectively and carried enough technical quality to punish opponents who underestimated their control in transition. Against Argentina, they were beaten but not outclassed, a distinction that matters for a side seeking long-term recognition beyond one tournament.
The squad reflected the modern spread of African football talent, with players drawn from clubs across Europe and beyond rather than a single domestic power base. That diversity did not weaken their identity. It gave Bubista options, and the team played with a clarity that kept them competitive against opponents with deeper benches and far greater tournament experience.
Argentina’s next test against Egypt will carry major star appeal, with Messi and Mohamed Salah on opposite sides of another knockout tie. Egypt reached the last 16 by beating Australia on penalties after a 1-1 draw, adding further weight to a section of the bracket shaped by tension, extra time and narrow margins.
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