Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde: Messi and the Holders Survive a Stunning World Cup Scare
Argentina prevailed against Cape Verde in Miami thanks to a late header from Cristian Romero which deflected in off the arm of a defender
But the story in Miami was about Cape Verde, who were stellar against the World Cup champions
Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a 103rd-minute stunner – and blitzed straight to his partner in the stands to celebrate
Argentina survived one of the most dramatic scares of the World Cup as Lionel Messi and the defending champions edged past Cape Verde 3-2 after a thrilling battle that pushed the holders to the limit.
On paper, this looked like a match Argentina were expected to control. In reality, Cape Verde turned it into one of the tournament’s most gripping stories. The African side had already won hearts with their fearless campaign, and even against the champions, they refused to leave the competition quietly.
Messi appeared to put Argentina on course with a brilliant opener, controlling a long ball from Lisandro Martinez before finishing with the calmness that has defined so much of his career. The goal also strengthened his push in the Golden Boot race, moving him ahead of several major rivals as the knockout rounds gathered pace.
But Cape Verde were not finished. Early in the second half, Deroy Duarte stunned Argentina by firing in from a tight angle, sending shockwaves through the stadium and giving the underdogs belief that the impossible might still be possible. Goalkeeper Vozinha then added to the drama by denying Messi, keeping Cape Verde alive as the match headed toward a tense finish.
Lopes Cabral’s sensational strike into the top corner will go down as one of the World Cup’s great goals
The left-back celebrated in ecstasy for, at that moment, it appeared as though the Cape Verdeans were about to pull off one of the great upsets
Argentina pushed hard in normal time, but Cape Verde held firm and forced extra time. When Lisandro Martinez scored at the back post from a corner, it looked as though the champions had finally broken their resistance. Yet Cape Verde responded again in unforgettable fashion. Sidny Lopes cut inside from the left and bent a stunning strike into the far top corner, producing a goal that will live long in World Cup memory.
For a few moments, Argentina were staring at a shock that would have shaken the tournament. Then Messi stepped up again, this time from a corner, delivering the ball that Cristian Romero headed home with less than ten minutes remaining. The defender’s effort deflected past Vozinha and finally gave Argentina the lead they would not surrender.
Cape Verde left the pitch beaten but admired. They had twice dragged themselves back against the world champions and created memories far beyond the final score. Argentina, meanwhile, march on with their title defence alive, but this was a warning. Messi may still be chasing history, yet the holders were reminded that nothing comes easily at this World Cup.
