Argentina narrowly escaped what would have been one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history on Friday, defeating Cape Verde 4-3 in a wild knockout stage match. The defending champions, seeking back-to-back titles, faced a relentless challenge from the small island nation off the coast of West Africa, ranked 64th in the world.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, marking his 20th World Cup goal and becoming the first player to score seven or more goals in multiple World Cups, having achieved the feat in Qatar as well. It was also his eighth consecutive World Cup match with a goal. However, Cape Verde refused to back down, and early in the second half, Deroy Duarte equalized with a stunning strike to make it 1-1.
Argentina pushed for a winner in regulation, including a dangerous Messi free kick that Cape Verde managed to stop, sending the match into extra time. Just two minutes into the extra period, Lisandro Martinez gave Argentina the lead again. But Cape Verde responded once more, with Sidny Lopes Cabral scoring an incredible goal in the 103rd minute to tie the game at 2-2.
In the 111th minute, Messi delivered a corner kick that Cristian Romero headed toward the goal. The ball deflected off a Cape Verde defender's arm and into the net, initially credited as Romero's goal but later ruled an own goal. Argentina held on despite a late flurry of chances from Cape Verde, securing a 4-3 victory.
The match was a stark contrast to Argentina's recent dominance. Coming into the game, Argentina had conceded only two goals in their ten-match World Cup winning streak. Cape Verde matched that total in a single match, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. The small nation, one of the tournament's darlings, pushed the world's second-ranked team to the brink.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta. The team will need to regroup after a grueling match that exposed vulnerabilities in their defense. Messi's leadership and creativity remain crucial, but the squad must address their inability to close out games comfortably.
Cape Verde's performance earned widespread admiration. Despite their low ranking, they demonstrated tactical discipline and fearlessness, nearly pulling off a historic upset. Their journey in the tournament has been remarkable, and they leave with their heads held high after a memorable run.
The match also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the World Cup, where underdogs can challenge even the most established powers. Argentina's path to a second consecutive title now includes a tough test against Egypt, a team known for its defensive organization and counterattacking threat.
For Messi, the game added another chapter to his legendary career. His 20 World Cup goals place him among the all-time greats, and his ability to deliver in crucial moments remains unmatched. However, the team's reliance on him was evident, as Cape Verde's equalizers came after Argentina failed to build on their leads.
As the tournament progresses, Argentina will need to find more balance and consistency. The defense, which had been a strength, showed cracks against Cape Verde's determined attack. Coach Lionel Scaloni will have to make adjustments to ensure the team can withstand pressure from stronger opponents.
Despite the scare, Argentina remains a favorite to win the World Cup. Their depth and experience, combined with Messi's brilliance, give them a strong chance. But Friday's match served as a reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly, especially in a knockout stage where anything can happen.
