​Argentina’s Lionel Messi opened the scoring as his side beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at Miami Gardens. The match featured dramatic twists, with Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte leveling in the 59th minute to cancel Messi’s first-half strike, while Cape Verde keeper Vozinha produced several superb saves to deny Messi a late winner on three occasions. Argentina wasted no time after the break, taking the lead again in extra time when Lisandro Martínez finished from a corner to head home. Sidney Lopes Cabral then equalized in the 103rd minute with a superb curling strike from the left, restoring parity. However, Diney Borges delivered the decisive moment in the 111th minute by turning Christian Romero’s header into his own net, sealing Argentina’s progression. The defending champions will face Egypt, who advanced after beating Australia on penalties following a 1-1 draw.