Defending champions Argentina survived one of the biggest scares of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a breathtaking Round of 16 encounter that produced history for both nations.
Cristian “Cuti” Romero emerged as Argentina’s unlikely hero, powering home the decisive goal in the 111th minute after Cape Verde had twice fought back to stun Lionel Scaloni’s side. The reigning champions now advance to the quarter-finals after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
Lionel Messi had given Argentina a deserved first-half lead in the 29th minute, extending his remarkable record-breaking World Cup campaign. The strike saw the captain become the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 20 career goals, moving ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé (18) and Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16).
The goal also made Messi the first player ever to score in eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, a streak stretching back to the knockout rounds of Qatar 2022.
Cape Verde, however, refused to be intimidated.
Midfielder Deroy Duarte equalised in the 59th minute with a composed finish that further cemented the Blue Sharks’ remarkable debut tournament. The goal forced extra time after Argentina failed to restore their lead during the remainder of regulation.
The equaliser also secured another historic milestone for Cape Verde, who became only the fourth nation in World Cup history to score against two former world champions in their debut tournament, having previously found the net against England earlier in the competition.
Argentina regained the advantage almost immediately after extra time began when Lisandro Martínez headed home in the 93rd minute, only for Cape Verde to respond once again through Sidey López Cabral in the 103rd minute, stunning the reigning champions and threatening one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
With penalties looming, Romero rose highest from a corner in the 111th minute to restore Argentina’s lead for a third and final time, sparking wild celebrations among the Albiceleste players and supporters.
The encounter also added another chapter to Argentina’s rich World Cup history. It was the nation’s 12th match requiring extra time, drawing level with Germany for the most extra-time appearances by any country in FIFA World Cup history.
While Argentina ultimately progressed, Cape Verde departed with enormous credit after pushing the defending champions to their limits.
The African debutants also became only the fourth nation making its World Cup debut to score two or more goals against the reigning world champions in a single match, joining Northern Ireland (1958 vs West Germany), Portugal (1966 vs Brazil) and Slovakia (2010 vs Italy).
Messi’s latest goal also moved him to the top of the scoring charts at the 2026 tournament with seven goals, reinforcing his status as the competition’s standout performer.
For Cape Verde, elimination marked the end of a historic campaign that exceeded every expectation. For Argentina, the victory preserved their hopes of retaining the World Cup—but only after surviving a test that will be remembered as one of the greatest knockout matches in recent tournament history.
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