Overview
- Argentina advanced after a tense extra‑time win at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday that finished 3-2 and ended Cabo Verde’s run in the tournament.
- Lionel Messi opened the scoring, delivered the corner that led to the decisive goal, was named man of the match and now leads the tournament with seven goals and 20 career World Cup strikes.
- The game featured four equalizers: Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral drew Cabo Verde level twice while Lisandro Martínez gave Argentina a temporary lead in extra time and a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute decided the result.
- Cabo Verde emerged as one of the tournament’s revelations with goalkeeper Vozinha producing several key saves, while Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez made a late stop that preserved Argentina’s victory.
- Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, giving Lionel Scaloni’s squad three full days to recover and prepare as they pursue a title defense.