Miami: Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over a spirited Cape Verde to book their place in the FIFA World Cup pre quarter-finals after an absorbing contest that went down to the wire.
The reigning world champions were pushed to their limits by an inspired Cape Verde side, which matched Argentina stride for stride and twice fought back from behind before finally succumbing in extra time. Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned widespread admiration for a fearless display against one of football’s strongest teams.
Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with a trademark finish. Sandro Martinez floated a perfectly weighted chip over the Cape Verde defence, and the Argentine captain calmly brought the ball under control before delicately lifting it over goalkeeper Vozinha into the roof of the net.
Cape Verde responded after the break through Deroy Duarte, who equalised in the 59th minute to force the match into extra time after both sides finished regulation with one goal each.
Argentina regained the advantage in the 92nd minute when Lisandro Martinez found the net, but Cape Verde once again refused to surrender. Sydney Lopes Cabral restored parity in the 103rd minute, setting up another tense finish.
With penalties looming, Cristian Romero emerged as Argentina’s match-winner, scoring in the 111th minute to seal a hard-fought victory and send the South American giants into the last eight.
Cape Verde’s disciplined defence and outstanding goalkeeping kept Argentina under constant pressure throughout the contest. Vozinha produced a string of impressive saves as the underdogs frustrated the defending champions, denying several of Argentina’s 14 attempts on goal during regulation time.
Messi’s strike was his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. It also marked the Argentine legend’s 20th World Cup goal, adding another milestone to his remarkable international career as Argentina continued their title defence.
