Argentina, Cape Verde and Lionel Messi
Friday in Miami
Argentina survived a major World Cup scare by beating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time. Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal before Cape Verde twice equalised, forcing the holders deep before Cristian Romero’s deflected header settled it.
Cape Verde pushed the champions closer than expected, with Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral scoring memorable goals. Vozinha repeatedly denied Messi, but Argentina held on after late pressure and advanced despite looking vulnerable in knockout conditions.