A Narrow Victory
Argentina edged Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, snatching a place in the round of 16 while the match left the South American side with more questions than answers.
The victory marked Cape Verde’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage, and their early lead forced Argentina to chase the game, exposing gaps in a defense that had seemed solid in earlier group fixtures.
Scaloni’s Warning and Messi’s Strain
Coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that the African side would be dangerous, and his pre‑match comments proved prescient as the team struggled to contain opponents.
Lionel Messi, after a grueling extra‑time battle, admitted the physical toll, saying he found it hard to regain possession, while Scaloni highlighted the squad’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Defenders Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, both nursing recent injuries, stepped up when it mattered most; Martinez struck for Argentina’s second goal and Romero helped create the winning strike.
The narrow escape will only heighten scrutiny as Argentina prepares to meet Egypt in the next round, a clash that could determine the trajectory of their tournament.
The team will return to training in Miami before the showdown, using the U.S. base as a launchpad for final preparations.