Overview
- Argentina advanced to the World Cup octavos after a 3-2 extra‑time win over debutants Cabo Verde at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Friday.
- Lionel Messi opened the scoring and reached 20 career World Cup goals, giving Argentina an early lead that Cabo Verde erased in the second half.
- The match featured two extra‑time lead changes before a 111th‑minute finish that some outlets credit to Cristian Romero while others record it as an own goal by Diney Borges.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez made a late, match‑saving stop to deny Cabo Verde a second equalizer and preserve Argentina's victory.
- Cabo Verde leaves the tournament praised for its debut run of three group draws and a knockout challenge while Argentina now prepares to play Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7, with the win exposing defensive issues the champions must address.