Argentina survive Cape Verde scare with 111th-minute winner

2 min readUpdated: Jul 4, 2026 06:28 AM IST

Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. (AP)

Argentina escaped by the skin of their teeth in Miami, with Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute strike, later ruled an own goal, sealing a dramatic Round of 16 berth after Cape Verde had pushed the defending champions to the brink at World Cup 2026.

The tiny island nation of Cape Verde played with their hearts out, more than matching the heavyweight Albiceleste, but Lionel Messi’s side kept their composure to eventually come out on top. Argentina will now face Egypt for a place in the quarterfinals.

AS IT HAPPENED |  Argentina vs Cape Verde FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights

Messi had earlier put the reigning champions ahead with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal in the 29th minute. However, Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored a stunning equaliser in the 59th minute, his first international goal, silencing the pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida. It was a preview of what could have been one of the most shocking outcomes in World Cup history had Cape Verde pulled off the upset.

Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup debut has been a stunning run that few outside the tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa could have predicted.

Behind the stellar play of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, Cape Verde became the smallest country to reach the knockout rounds, securing surprising draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

Vozinha made seven saves against Argentina, including four from Messi, and has conceded only three goals across the tournament.

(With inputs from AP)