Cristian Romero struck the decisive goal in extra time, while Lionel Messi found the net earlier, as Argentina narrowly edged Cape Verde 3-2 in a tense World Cup Round of 16 clash. The reigning champions twice squandered their lead before eventually breaking free in extra time against a Cape Verde side that performed well beyond expectations and arguably deserved more from the contest.

The match began with Cape Verde showing early intent. They pressed high, played expansively, and forced Emiliano Martinez into action within the first 10 minutes. However, Argentina soon settled into their rhythm. This version of La Albiceleste relies less on explosive attacking play and more on patient build-up, ball retention, and precision in the final third.

It was a direct approach that earned Argentina the opener. Lisandro Martinez floated a long ball over the defence, and Messi expertly brought it down before slotting home. Argentina had further chances, with Enzo Fernandez twice denied and Messi constantly probing, but they went into half-time with only a 1-0 advantage.

That cushion quickly vanished after the restart. Cape Verde kept pushing forward, and Argentina’s lapse in concentration proved costly. Enzo Fernandez failed to track Deroy Duarte, who collected a pass, turned sharply, and fired into the bottom corner to level the scores.

The equaliser unsettled Argentina. Their usual composure gave way to anxiety, with hurried passes and misplaced touches creeping into their play. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, already a national hero after their draw with Spain, continued his fine form by denying Messi twice — once in a one-on-one situation and again from a stoppage-time free-kick.

In extra time, Argentina regained control. Lisandro Martinez calmed nerves by smashing a shot into the roof of the net to restore their lead. Yet Cape Verde refused to yield. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning strike from a tight angle to make it 2-2. But the world champions showed their pedigree once more: Messi’s corner found Romero, who powered home a header in the dying minutes. Despite late Cape Verde pressure, Argentina held on. The world No. 1 had been pushed to the edge by the 67th-ranked side, but their World Cup journey continues.

Here are the Argentina player ratings from Miami Stadium:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10): Had no chance with either of the goals conceded but made several solid stops to keep Argentina alive.

Nahuel Molina (6/10): Maintained width, advanced the ball well, and ensured stability on his flank.

Cristian Romero (8/10): A typically tough and physical display at the back, capped with the match-winning header.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Mixed performance — superb assist for Messi’s opener, at fault on Cape Verde’s equaliser, then scored a spectacular goal in extra time.

Facundo Medina (6/10): Solid and steady before leaving the field injured. A quiet but dependable outing.

Midfield

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Struggled at times to control midfield transitions and needed more support defensively, though he distributed the ball neatly.

Enzo Fernandez (4/10): Lost his marker for Duarte’s equaliser, missed key chances, and appeared sluggish. A disappointing performance.

Rodrigo De Paul (6/10): Disciplined on the right side, won duels effectively, but looked more comfortable when drifting centrally.

Thiago Almada (5/10): Created one notable opportunity but lacked overall attacking impact.

Attack

Lionel Messi (8/10): Operated quietly for stretches but produced moments of brilliance — scoring the opener and assisting the winner. Influential without being dominant.

Lautaro Martínez (5/10): Linked play well but rarely threatened the Cape Verde goal directly.

Substitutes & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (7/10): Injected energy and threat from the left wing, creating problems for tired defenders.

Julian Alvarez (6/10): Worked tirelessly off the ball and contributed defensively when required.

Leandro Paredes (5/10): Introduced to stabilise midfield but failed to impose control.

Nico Tagliafico (6/10): Reliable and composed after coming on at left-back.

Gonzalo Montiel (N/A): Collected a needless booking and made little impact otherwise.

Lionel Scaloni (7/10): Fielded his usual starting XI and managed to see his team through a nervy affair. Argentina remain in contention, but this was far from straightforward.