Overview
- Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium to advance to the Round of 16.
- Cristian Romero’s corner header at 111 minutes deflected off Diney Borges for the decisive own goal that broke the 2-2 deadlock.
- Lionel Messi opened the scoring and extended his World Cup career total to 20 goals while also delivering the corner that led to the winner.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made a crucial late save that kept Cabo Verde from forcing a final equalizer and possible penalties.
- Cabo Verde, unbeaten in regulation through the tournament and widely called the event’s revelation, pushed the champions to the limit and now leaves the World Cup with a raised profile.