Lionel Messi and Argentina secured a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over tournament debutants Cape Verde advancing to the World Cup Round of 16. In a tense clash in South Florida, reigning champions were pushed to their limits by the resilient African nation.
The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges for an own goal. Earlier, Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute. The brilliant strike marked his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal on his unprecedented 30th tournament appearance.
Cape Verde, making a historic run as the smallest country to ever reach the knockout stages and stunned the pro-Argentina crowd. Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte both scored equalizers with matching Argentina blow for blow in regulation.
Even after Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back ahead 2-1 in the 103rd minute, the islanders kept fighting. Their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a heroic performance with 10 saves specially five against Messi.
The match served as a milestone for Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni for marking his 100th game in charge. Meanwhile, Messi extended his lead in the Golden Boot race with taking his tournament tally to seven goals.
Argentina will now travel to Atlanta on Tuesday to face Egypt, who advanced via a penalty shootout against Australia. Cape Verde exits the tournament with their heads held high after a memorable debut that included surprising group-stage draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
