Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time during a Round of 32 match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 3 [1, 2].
The result marks a significant milestone for Argentina's campaign and cements the legacy of Lionel Messi, while showcasing the rising competitiveness of Cabo Verde on the global stage.
Argentina secured the victory in a closely contested battle that required extra time to determine the winner [1]. Despite the loss, Cabo Verde demonstrated offensive strength, scoring two goals during the match [2]. One of those goals was a strike by Sidny Lopes Cabral [3], which was later voted the Goal of the Tournament [3].
While some reports listed multiple goal scorers for Cabo Verde, including Kevin Pina, Helio Varela, and Deroy Duarte [1], other accounts confirmed the team finished the match with two goals [2]. The final score remained 3-2 in favor of Argentina [1].
The match was also a historic moment for Lionel Messi. During the contest, Messi broke the all-time World Cup assist record, surpassing the previous mark held by Diego Maradona [4]. This achievement further establishes Messi as the player with the most assists in the history of the tournament [4].
Cabo Verde's performance in the knockout stage highlighted their ability to challenge elite teams. The team's resilience pushed the match beyond the standard 90 minutes, forcing the Argentine side into extra time before the final whistle [1].
“Argentina defeated Cabo Verde 3-2 after extra time”
Argentina's progression to the next round maintains their status as tournament favorites, while Messi's record-breaking performance adds a layer of historical significance to the 2026 campaign. For Cabo Verde, the 'Goal of the Tournament' recognition and the ability to push a powerhouse like Argentina into extra time signal a shift in the global football hierarchy, proving that smaller nations can now compete technically with traditional giants.
