'We knew this would be very tough': Messi admits Cabo Verde pushed Argentina to the limit

Argentina's Lionel Messi applauds the crowd after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match against Cape Verde (AP Photo)

Lionel Messi acknowledged the stern test posed by Cabo Verde after defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic scare to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.The reigning champions were pushed all the way by the tournament debutants in a gripping contest in Florida before eventually sealing their place in the last 16. Speaking after the match, Messi admitted Argentina had expected a difficult evening and praised Cabo Verde for their fearless display."We knew this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, no one gives you anything for free. Now it's about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game.

Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for that great performance," Messi told the media after the win.Messi also highlighted Argentina's fighting spirit after the team twice saw Cabo Verde draw level during an enthralling encounter.“As this team has demonstrated many times, and as I’ve said many times, it competes,” Messi said in Spanish. “And we competed to the end.”Argentina looked to be in control after Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal.

Timing his run perfectly, the captain latched onto a lofted pass from Lisandro Martinez before firing into the roof of the net to give La Albiceleste the lead.However, Cabo Verde refused to back down. Sidny Lopes Cabral restored parity in regulation time before Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back in front early in extra time. The underdogs struck again through Deroy Duarte to make it 2-2, raising hopes of a famous upset.The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero's header deflected off Diney Borges and into the net for an own goal, sealing Argentina's place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.Despite the defeat, Cabo Verde earned widespread admiration for one of the finest underdog performances in recent World Cup history. Goalkeeper Vozinha made 10 saves, including five from Messi, as the tournament debutants once again showcased the resilience that had carried them through an impressive group-stage campaign.Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni also praised the African side after the final whistle.“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they’re a great team.”Messi's goal also strengthened his bid for the Golden Boot. The Argentina captain now has seven goals in the tournament, one more than France's Kylian Mbappé, while extending his all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record. The strike also marked his 12th goal during his record-breaking run of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.