Argentina vs Cape Verde saw Lionel Messi score in extra time as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in a World Cup round of 32 match Wednesday in Miami, according to FIFA match statistics.
The match at a stadium in Miami was a dramatic, back and forth contest that required extra time to decide a winner. Messi’s 20th World Cup goal also was his seventh of this tournament, according to the official match report.
Argentina vs Cape Verde, Messi reaches 20 World Cup goals
Argentina controlled possession early but struggled to break through Cape Verde’s disciplined defense, until the 29th minute. Lisandro Martinez released a precise long pass from near the center circle, and Messi timed his run to take the ball in stride, then fired a low shot from a tight angle to give Argentina the lead, match statistics show.
That opener left Argentina with a one goal advantage at halftime. The score also moved Messi into the lead among World Cup all time scorers, an achievement noted in FIFA’s postmatch summary.
Cape Verde fights back in second half
Cape Verde, a nation of fewer than 600,000 people, responded after the break with renewed attacking intent. In the 59th minute midfielder Deroy Duarte struck from a similar narrow angle inside the box to level the match at 1-1.
Goalkeeper Vozinha put in a standout performance, pulling off a one on one stop and denying a penalty from Messi, making a total of eight saves to force extra time, according to the match log.
In the first half of extra time Argentina ramped up the pressure. At 93 minutes Messi delivered a left corner, and Martinez met it with a powerful left foot finish at the far post to make it 2-1.
Cape Verde equalizes, Argentina advances late
Cape Verde would not surrender. In the second half of extra time a quick counter produced a finish from winger Lopes Cabral that made it 2-2 and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Moments before the end of extra time Messi swung in a corner and Cristian Romero rose to head the ball. His header struck a Cape Verde defender, deflected, and crossed the line as an own goal to restore Argentina’s lead. The match ended 3-2 in Argentina’s favor.
Cape Verde had drawn each of its four matches in regular time earlier in the tournament, and its two equalizers in this match reinforced the team’s underdog reputation, FIFA statistics show. Their resilience earned wide praise from fans and commentators around the world.
Argentina advances to the round of 16 and will face Egypt, which eliminated Australia in the round of 32, according to the tournament schedule. The prospective matchup raises the prospect of Lionel Messi facing Mohamed Salah, a pairing that has drawn major attention.
Match officials and detailed statistics are published in FIFA’s match report. Fans will now turn to the round of 16 as the tournament’s knockout stage intensifies.