Argentina has secured passage to the next round with a dramatic finish. An extra-time own goal from Diney Borges gave Argentina an extra time victory over spirited Cape Verde 3-2 at Miami Stadium in Florida on Friday. Therefore, the defending champions advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

Lionel Messi continued his exceptional tournament form with a goal and an assist. Moreover, the Argentine captain remains central to his team’s success. Consequently, Messi’s performance helped Argentina set up a Round of 16 tie with Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday. Additionally, Egypt defeated Australia on penalties earlier on Friday.

Cape Verde played in their first World Cup and showed remarkable spirit throughout. However, the African nation twice came from a goal behind to challenge the defending champions. Furthermore, they nearly shocked the vast majority of the crowd supporting Argentina. Indeed, their performance demonstrated quality and determination despite being newcomers to the tournament.

Messi put Argentina ahead in the 29th minute, scoring his seventh goal of the tournament. Lisandro Martinez played a long ball from the back into Messi’s path. As a result, the Inter Miami forward had half a yard on the defender. Messi took the ball in his stride with his first touch. Subsequently, he lifted it over goalkeeper Vozinha with his second touch, finding the roof of the net perfectly.

Deroy Duarte scored an equalizer in the 59th minute for Cape Verde. Ryan Mendes squared the ball inside to Duarte, who had escaped Argentine defensive attention. Consequently, Duarte fired beyond Emiliano Martinez into the bottom corner. Therefore, Cape Verde equalized unexpectedly and regained hope.

Lisandro restored Argentina’s one-goal advantage in the 92nd minute after good teamwork. A corner was flicked on to Lisandro at the far post. He took a touch before curling a shot toward the far corner. Instead, he whipped it into the top corner at the near post to make it 2-1. Still, Cape Verde refused to surrender.

Sidny Cabral pulled one back for Cape Verde in the 103rd minute with a stunning strike. The full-back cut inside from the left. Subsequently, he whipped a curling strike straight into the far top corner. This goal kept Cape Verde’s hopes alive despite falling behind again.

For Argentina, Cristian Romero forced the winner in the 111th minute. Messi delivered a corner from the left. Romero rose high to head into the far corner. However, the goal was declared an own goal as the ball hit Cape Verde defender Borges’ arm. Therefore, Argentina’s extra time victory came in unconventional fashion. Finally, the dramatic conclusion sent Argentina through to face Egypt in the next round.