Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Defending champions Argentina survived a massive scare by defeating African underdogs Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIA World Cup.
The match went to extra time after the two sides played a 1-1 draw in the regulation 90 minutes. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute after controlling a beautiful pass from Lisandro Martinez.
The goal marked his 20th World Cup goal and sixth in the ongoing tournament.
However, Cape Verde refused to back down and stunned their celebrated South American opponent with an equalizer in the 59th minute. Deroy Duarte ran into the box and fired a powerful shot through the legs of Martinez and beyond the Argentine goalie.
Cape Verde keeper Vozinha made several saves to take the match to extra time.
Martinez scored in the 2nd minute of extra time to give Argentina a 2-1 lead in the match. He connected to Alexis Mac Allister’s flick from a corner and fired a powerful shot past Vozinha.
However, Cape Verde equalized 10 minutes later when he unleashed a powerful curling shot from the left of the boss which sailed past the stretched Argentine keeper for one of the best World Cup goals.
As the match appeared headed for a shootout, Argentina took the lead via a Cape Verde own goal. Messi connected to Christian Romero’s corner and produced a floated pass in the Cape Verde box. The ball deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges head and sailed into the post.
Argentina hung on to the lead for the remaining nine minutes of the extra time to book their spot in the last 16.
The South American side will now meet Egypt, who beat Australia on penalties in the first match of Matchday 22, to progress to the last 16.
