Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after edging past Cape Verde 3-2 following extra time in a fiercely contested match at the Miami Stadium.
The defending champions faced a spirited challenge as Cape Verde twice erased the deficit before Argentina eventually sealed victory to arrange a meeting with Egypt.
Argentina dictated the tempo from the opening whistle and looked dangerous with their patient passing.
Messi missed an early opportunity from a narrow angle before making amends in the 29th minute.
Lisandro Martínez threaded a precise pass into the box, and the Argentine captain calmly slotted the ball home to register his eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup match with a goal.
Enzo Fernández nearly extended Argentina’s advantage before the interval, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a crucial save to keep the score at 1-0.
Cape Verde Stage a Comeback
Cape Verde emerged from the break with renewed determination. Emiliano Martínez denied Deroy Duarte’s first effort, but the midfielder later found the equaliser with a low finish to bring his side back into the contest.
Argentina continued to create chances, yet Vozinha repeatedly frustrated the South Americans by denying Messi from open play and later tipping away another dangerous free-kick.
Neither side managed to produce a decisive goal in normal time, sending the match into extra time.
Argentina regained the lead when Lisandro Martínez controlled a corner at the far post before firing into the net.
Cape Verde responded once again as Lopes Cabral struck a superb equaliser to keep his nation’s hopes alive.
The defending champions eventually settled the contest after Messi’s corner forced a defensive error, resulting in an own goal that proved decisive.
Argentina then held firm through the closing minutes to complete a hard-earned victory.
The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s men into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.
Also Read: Egypt Reach FIFA World Cup Round Of 16 After Historic Shootout Win Over Australia
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