Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time World Cup match, avoiding a significant upset. The reigning champions needed an own goal in the final minutes of extra time to secure their spot in the last 16. Cape Verde, playing in their first World Cup, twice came from behind to level the score against the heavily favored Argentinians.
Messi initially gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament, extending his record to 20 career World Cup goals. However, Deroy Duarte equalized for Cape Verde just before the hour mark. Lisandro Martinez then put Argentina ahead again in the second minute of the first extra-time period, but Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a stunning equalizer for Cape Verde in the 103rd minute, bringing the score to 2-2.
The decisive goal came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero's header deflected off Cape Verde's Diney Borges, resulting in an own goal that ultimately secured Argentina's 3-2 victory. Despite the loss, Cape Verde's performance was lauded, with their coach Bubista expressing pride in his team's resilience. Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta in the Round of 16.
