Cape Verde threaten shock for the ages before Argentina break hearts in World Cup classic

Argentina were given a huge scare before ending Cape Verde’s fairytale run as Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal in a 3-2 win after extra time to reach the last 16.

Messi’s sublime control and finish for his seventh goal at this tournament in four games put the defending champions in command, but the Blue Sharks doggedly refused to go away.

Deroy Duarte’s strike on the hour mark forced Argentina to expand more energy than they would have wanted in the sapping Miami heat.

Lisandro Martínez briefly restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time before Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunning shot rocketed into the top corner.

Another Argentina corner finally got the job done when Cristian Romero rose highest to head Messi’s corner, the ball going in after taking a deflection off Diney Borges for an own goal.

La Albiceleste will face Egypt next on Tuesday in Atlanta, but there were concerns for Lionel Scaloni on his 100th match in charge despite what appears a favourable draw.

Cape Verde served warning of what they were capable of by holding European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to reach the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks coach Bubista said the meeting with Messi and the world champions would be “the game of our lives” and it showed in a spirited display that had Argentina sweating for over 120 minutes.

On his return to the city where he now plays his club football for Inter Miami, Messi’s every move was greeted like a god by the nearly 65,000 crowd that was awash of sky blue and white jerseys.