THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Argentina vs Cabo Verde live updates, Messi highlights in World Cup WORLD CUP Men's World Cup Add Topic Lionel Messi, Argentina survives Cape Verde after extra time in World Cup Dan Rorabaugh Liam Rooney USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida Updated July 3, 2026, 8:52 p.m. ET Hear this story Defending World Cup champion Argentina won all three of their Group J matches. Cape Verde finished second in Group H with three draws. Tonight's winner advances to a Round of 16 game against the winner of Australia vs. Egypt. Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has six goals this World Cup, tied with France's Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot lead. He has a record 19 goals across six World Cups. The smallest nation to ever advance to the knockout stage, Cape Verde played to a 2-2 tie against Uruguay in a group-stage game in Miami. Argentina’s 110th-minute header sent the world champions into the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup , and the darlings of the tournament, Cape Verde , home in dramatic fashion. The result might be what many expected inside Hard Rock Stadium, but how Lionel Messi and Argentina got there on Friday, July 3 was anything but expected. Cape Verde put in an inspired performan…

Messi admits Cape Verde kicked "the crap out of" him as Argentina ... Messi admits Cape Verde kicked "the crap out of" him as Argentina progress to face Egypt Zack Oaten Messi admits Cape Verde kicked "the crap out of" him as Argentina progress to face Egypt REUTERS Lionel Messi starred once more as Argentina narrowly beat Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Champions Argentina needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in a thrilling last-32 tie which sees them progress to face Egypt in the Round of 16. Advertisement Advertisement Tottenham defender Cristian Romero headed in the game winner from Lionel Messi 's corner in the 111th minute to secure the win which sees them take one step closer to retaining their title. Messi also scored his seventh goal in the tournament as he impressed once more, picking up 5 fouls along the way as per Flashscore. Speaking after the game, the Inter Miami winger joked that Cape Verde had not been easy on him. "They asked for my jersey, everything... On the field, they kick the crap out of me," Messi joked. On his team’s performance: “This team has been demonstrating this for a long time, it competes and will compete until the end. “Today, we saw the impor…

How And Where To Watch: Argentina vs Cape Verde in the Round of 32 of ... Argentina and Cape Verde will face off on Friday, July 3, in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Miami Stadium in Miami, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT, with Canadian referee Drew Fischer assigned to officiate the match. beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event. If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world. Argentina enters the knockout stage after finishing atop Group J with a perfect record. Lionel Scaloni's side collected nine points by defeating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, and Jordan 3-1 to complete an outstanding group-stage campaign. The reigning world champions have once again displayed the balance and consistency that carried them to the title four years ago. A disciplined defense, a dominant midfield, and …

Battle-scarred Argentina and Egypt set for last-16 clash FOOTBALL – ARGENTINA and Egypt head into their World Cup last-16 clash tomorrow in Atlanta with little time to recover after both survived gruelling physical tests in their first knockout matches. Reigning champions Argentina needed extra time to edge World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday, while Egypt endured 120 minutes before defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The quick turnaround has raised concerns for both teams, but particularly for Argentina, whose previously flawless campaign showed signs of vulnerability for the first time. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side struggled to impose themselves against Cape Verde, prompting debate over whether the performance was an isolated stumble or evidence of weaknesses that opponents can exploit. “What worries me now is that there are only four days to rest, travel, many players were suffering from cramps, and now you play Egypt, who are also a very physically strong team. I think they have a little more quality at the front than Cape Verde,” former striker Sergio Aguero said. Lionel Messi admitted after the Cape Verde m…

Messi, Argentina Defeat Cape Verde 3-2 In Extra time To Advance To ... Lionel Messiwiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. His Argentina teammates did the same. A thrilling, unforgettableWorld Cupmatch with underdog Cape Verde was over — and the defending champions survived after being pushed to the brink. Cape Verde equalized in regulation and again in extra time, but the Blue Sharks could not respond to Argentina's third goal, and La Albiceleste advanced to the Round of 16 with a 3-2 victory on Friday. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Even in defeat, the performance byCape Verde— a tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa — will stand as one of the most remarkable stories of this, or any, World Cup. "I have to give credit to our opponents," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "The truth is, when people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they’re a great team." The go-ahead score for Argentina was credited as an own-goal after Cristian Romero's header deflected off Cape Verde's Diney Borges in the 111th minute. Messi scored early in regulation, his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. Lisan…

For Cape Verde, a World Cup run means many things will change Cape Verde’s World Cup team walked into its Miami hotel after getting eliminated from the tournament, almost in disbelief at the scene in the lobby MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. --Cape Verde'sWorld Cupteam walked into its Miami hotel after getting eliminated from the tournament, almost in disbelief at the scene in the lobby. Dozens of people were there, cheering for them. After a loss, no less. Let that be the first sign of how things are going to be very different in many respects for the team, at least for the foreseeable future. Such is the case when a club goes from unheralded — and practically unheard of — to taking Lionel Messi and Argentina to the brink of elimination on soccer's biggest stage, beforefalling 3-2 in a matchthat went to extra time. “It's time to rest and think about the future,” Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha said. “But I am very, very proud of the team's work, and I hope that in the future we can achieve great things.” In other words, he hopes seeds were planted. Cape Verde went 0-1-3 in its four matches at its inaugural World Cup, which won't look great on paper. More than two-thirds of the 48 teams …

Cape Verde Receives Hero's Welcome After 2026 FIFA World Cup Despite ... Cape Verde's national team received a rousing welcome from fans upon returning home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite being eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 32 after a thrilling encounter. Cape Verde's national team experienced an unforgettable homecoming after returning from the United States following its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thousands of supporters gathered at the airport to welcome the players and coaching staff, celebrating what many described as a historic campaign despite the team's exit in the Round of 32. The team's arrival turned into a major celebration, with Cape Verde supporters expressing their pride in the performances delivered throughout the tournament, despite the World Cup journey ending after a hard-fought match against Argentina. Although Cape Verde was eliminated after a 3–2 extra-time defeat, the team's impressive display against the reigning world champions earned widespread praise from fans and football observers alike, particularly for its determination and fighting spirit. FIFA praised the level displayed by Cape Verde, stating that the team was n…

Lionel Messi, Argentina await Cape Verde in Round of 32 at ... - tsn.ca MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars. Cape Verde has none of that. Soccer’s version of David vs. Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cup champion Argentina faces a Cape Verde squad with absolutely no burden of expectations going into the round of 32 match. Watch Argentina take on Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 LIVE Friday at 5:45 p.m. ET / 2:45 p.m. PT on TSN1/4/5, TSN.ca, and the TSN App. “I believe we can do a great thing here,” Cape Verde backup defender Ianique dos Santos Tavares, who goes by the name Stopira, said through a translator on Thursday. ”And this is no exception. This match is no exception.” A win by Cape Verde would be one of the most stunning upsets in soccer history, maybe even sports history. Think of it on a “Miracle on Ice” scale from 1980, when the youthful U.S. hockey team stunned the supposedly unbeatable Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Olympics and went on to win the gold medal. This would be a Miracle on Grass, without que…

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET), World Cup 2026: Albiceleste survive ... World Cup 2026 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET), World Cup 2026: Albiceleste survive extra-time thriller, advance to Round of 16 An epic battle in Miami by Renato Gonçalves Jul 4, 2026, 12:47 AM UTC Facebook Link Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images The reigning World Cup champions are still alive and through to the Round of 16 thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 win in extra-time against tournament debutants Cape Verde. Argentina did not play their best game and found themselves in a massive batte against the tournament’s best story, but the Albiceleste found a way to win it after 120 minutes and are still alive in their title defense thanks to a goal and an assist from Lionel Messi. Reactions & Observations Argentina played at a very slow pace throughout the game, but the first half was one of full control that gave them the lead thanks to a brilliant long pass by Lisandro Martínez and an even better combination of first touch and finish from Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste could have pushed for a second but decided not to, and the game felt so easy that Argentina decided to slow it down even more and give Cape Verde th…

Argentina vs Cape Verde: World Cup Round of 32: Messi, prediction, kickoff Lionel Messi's Argentina, the reigning champions, face minnows Cape Verde in a last-32 clash in Miami.

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde: World Cup reaction as champions survive huge ... Action from the knockout stage continues asArgentinameet surprise packageCape Verdein the World Cup round of 32, and you can follow the action live with ESPN. Lionel Messiis set to lead his side against the tournament debutants, who progressed through to the knockouts with three draws -- including againstSpain, against whom they kept a clean sheet. -Argentina respect Cape Verde in round of 32: Not here by chance -Argentina vs. Cape Verde - everything you need to know La Albicelesteare seen as among the favourites and are hoping to defend the title they won for the third time in 2022. The only side above them in the FIFA World Rankings,France, are on the other side of the bracket, meaning they'll fancy their chances of reaching the final. Messi leads the side at his sixth World Cup, and got off to a perfect start with three wins in a group containingAlgeria,AustriaandJordan-- scoring a hat-trick in the opener. He heads into Friday's fixture with six goals to his name already in the tournament, level only withKylian Mbappé, and as the all-time leading goalscorer in tournament history. Cape Verde, howeve…

'We lost ball, we sat back': Messi tears into Argentina after Cape Verde scare Argentina sealed their place in the last 16 for the sixth straight World Cup after defeating Cape Verde in a tense round-of-32 match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday (IST).

Argentina see off spirited Cape Verde to qualify for World Cup last 16 The reigning World Cup champions were pushed all the way by an impressive Cape Verde team in their Round of 32 clash, needing an own goal in extra-time to emerge 3-2 victors. Lionel Messi scored the 20th World Cup goal of his career.

The World Cup's David vs. Goliath: Cape Verde's fairytale ... - CNN Cape Verde players and staff celebrate after they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Phil Noble/Reuters Africa People in sports Lionel Messi Soccer See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here . We all knew this World Cup would be good on the pitch. In truth, they always are. But this summer has been so dramatic and so exciting that it’s hard to keep up with all the storylines. Last night, we saw another heartbreaking moment for one team, when a dramatic VAR call denied Croatia a last-gasp equalizer (more on that later). But today, we have the final three matches of the Round of 32, including what could be an all-timer between Argentina and Cape Verde. If nothing else, we’ll get to see Lionel Messi back on the pitch. But, whatever happens, Argentina’s opponent has been maybe the biggest surprise of the tournament so far. And it’s with the African island nation where we’ll start today’s newsletter. The Main Thing: What it’s like to manage …

How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde in USA: 2026 World Cup, Live ... World Cup Comments How to watch Argentina vs Cape Verde in USA: 2026 World Cup, Live Stream, TV & Preview By Leonardo Herrera July 03, 2026 Follow us on Google! © Stacy Revere/Getty Images Lionel Messi of Argentina Here are all of the details of where you can watch Argentina vs Cape Verde on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Argentina vs Cape Verde WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT • Friday, July 3, 2026 WHERE Fubo , DirecTV Stream , Sling , Peacock Premium , FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Reigning champions Argentina enter the knockout stage with immense pressure and expectations as they face off against tournament debutants Cape Verde . La Albiceleste navigated the group stage flawlessly, securing three consecutive victories and showcasing the clinical form that makes them a favorite to defend their title. With Lionel Messi in sensational form, having scored six of the team’s eight goals, Argentina looks to make a definitive statement in the Round of 32. Add as a preferred source on Google For Cape Verde , this match is the culmination of a fairytale run…

Lionel Messi, Argentina draw confident Cape Verde in World Cup clash WORLD CUP Men's World Cup Add Topic Messi’s next World Cup foe? Cape Verde, which refuses to fear Argentina Hal Habib Palm Beach Post Updated July 2, 2026, 8:05 p.m. ET Hear this story Argentina will face Cape Verde in a World Cup knockout stage match at Hard Rock Stadium. Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha, has gained international fame for his performance. The status of Cape Verde's captain, Ryan Mendes, is uncertain due to an ongoing investigation. MIAMI GARDENS — When FIFA expanded the field for this World Cup to 48 teams, matchups like these were bound to happen. But in the knockout stages? Hard Rock Stadium will again be filled on Friday night (July 3), with an overwhelming number of fans wearing the blue and white stripes of Argentina and, specifically, the No. 10 shirt of Lionel Messi. Shop for tickets for World Cup games in Miami The surprise part: The opponent will be Cape Verde, making its tournament debut but, stunningly, undefeated thus far. Usually when a soccer tournament features teams with such lopsided credentials, the underdog “parks the bus,” as they say, meaning they go into a defen…

Lionel Messi and Argentina await Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the ... MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars. Cape Verde has none of that. Soccer’s version of David vs. Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cup champion Argentina faces a Cape Verde squad with absolutely no burden of expectations going into the round of 32 match. “I believe we can do a great thing here,” Cape Verde backup defender Ianique dos Santos Tavares, who goes by the name Stopira, said through a translator Thursday. “And this is no exception. This match is no exception.” A win by Cape Verde would be one of the most stunning upsets in soccer history, maybe even sports history. Think of it on a “Miracle on Ice” scale from 1980, when the youthful U.S. hockey team stunned the supposedly unbeatable Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Olympics and went on to win the gold medal. This would be a Miracle on Grass, without question. The Argentines mean no disrespect when they say this, but when the draw for the tournament came out, they thought Spain or Urugu…

Argentina vs. Cape Verde live score, result, highlights from 2026 World ... If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.Learn more > Dan Treacy SN Watch:Watch the game live where you are,here Predict:Who will win this game?Click here Shop:Get your teams latest kit,here As theWorld Cupreaches the final day of the Round of 32, Argentina is ready to continue its title defense against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and the rest of the defending champions were perfect in the group stage, getting three wins while scoring eight goals and allowing just one to their opponents. Messi himself was exceptional, as he scored six goals in those three games, including a hat trick against Algeria. Therefore, Argentina remains one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, especially with Messi seemingly still performing at the highest level. Still, one slip up could mean an early exit, with Cape Verde up next in hopes of continuing the underdog story. Cape Verde surprisingly finished in second place in Group H thanks to three straight draws, including one draw against heavily-favored Spain. Officially the smallest na…

Cabo Verde nearly shocked Argentina but inspired the world Vozinha and Cabo Verde tangled with Lionel Messi and Argentina , and while the run of the Blue Sharks at the World Cup may be over, they've left a mark on the World Cup that won't be forgotten. As the second smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament, Cabo Verde used LinkedIn as a recruiting tool , pulling from their diaspora around the world, and after drawing against Spain , they one-upped themselves in an electric match, facing Argentina in the round of 32. What's most impressive in this loss to Argentina is that Cabo Verde lived up to their dreams so much that, leaving the pitch against Argentina, it wasn't about moral victories. It was a picture of sadness. Players who laid it all on the line going toe to toe with the reigning World Cup champions, and they were able to fight back twice. Vozinha outdueled Emiliano Martínez, and Sidny Lopes Cabral had the best goal from distance, not Messi. INSANE GOAL FOR CAPE VERDE TO MAKE IT 2-2 IN EXTRA TIME 🇨🇻 Sidny Lopes Cabral with an elite finish! pic.twitter.com/umuGkTFa1U — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 2026 "We hope that now you realize that there is no easy opponen…

David v Goliath as Cape Verde face Messi's Argentina at World Cup David v Goliath as Cape Verde face Messi's Argentina at World Cup Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake. Issued on: 03/07/2026 - 08:56 3 min Reading time Cape Verde forward Ryan Mendes will line-up against Argentina and Lionel Messi in a David v Goliath World Cup knockout match © Chandan KHANNA / AFP Advertising Read more Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history. The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year's expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of ba…

Argentina survives tiny Cape Verde's spirited challenge and ... - CNN Cristian Romero celebrates with teammates scoring his team's third goal against Cape Verde on Friday. Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images South America Africa Soccer People in sports See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow On the final day of the Round of 32, the World Cup presented soccer fans with plenty of memories. Between Argentina surviving a potential stunning upset by Cape Verde - a small African island nation making its World Cup debut - to Colombia defeating Ghana, and Egypt doing something it has never done before in this tournament, it has been a day to remember. Here’s everything to know about Friday’s Round of 32 matches: Argentina survives tiny Cape Verde’s spirited challenge and advances to the Round of 16 Argentina is breathing a sigh of relief after surviving the most remarkable challenge from tiny Cape Verde in the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup, escaping with a late goal to win 3-2 and advance to the Round of 16. It was a matchup between the world champions and a tiny African island nation that has fewer people than Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The gap between th…

Cape Verde Chases World Cup History Against Messi's Argentin David v Goliath: Cape Verde chases World Cup history against Messi’s Argentina July 3, 2026 9:13 am Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi (2nd R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Austria at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) Agency Report Kindly share this story: A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake. Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami, dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history. The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swa…

Cape Verdeans Celebrate Heroic World Cup Defeat - Punch Newspapers It feels like victory, Cape Verdeans celebrate heroic World Cup defeat July 4, 2026 6:05 am Cape Verde's forward #07 Jovane Cabral greets Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi at the end of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde at the Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 3, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) Agency Report Kindly share this story: Applause erupted, drums began to beat, and car horns honked: Cape Verde’s narrow loss to Argentina was cause for celebration early Saturday in Praia as the Blue Sharks’ World Cup dream run came to a sad but brilliant end. The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people progressed to the knockout stages in their first-ever World Cup after drawing with European champions Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. However, after an epic last-32 contest in Miami where Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink, the reigning world champions snatched a 3-2 win to move on, and the rank outsiders’ journey was over. “We lost the match, but we feel like we achieved a victory because we held our own against the world …

Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde in extra time thriller, advancing to World Cup Round of 16 <p>MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. &#8212; Lionel Messi wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. His Argentina teammates did the same.</p>

Argentina survives a scare from debutant Cape Verde to reach the World Cup quarterfinals <p> <img src="https://en.mercopress.com/data/cache/noticias/110684/100x80/arg.jpg" alt="Lionel Messi put the world champions ahead in the 28th minute, controlling the ball with his left foot and firing a precise shot after an assist from Lisandro Mart&iacute;nez" width="100" height="80" style="float:left;margin:0 12px 6px 0;border:1px solid #333" /> Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday, in a match settled in extra time, to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The side coached by Lionel Scaloni had to dig deep to overcome a debutant that pushed the tie to the limit at the Miami stadium.</p>

Argentina edge Cape Verde: holders survive 3-2 extra-time epic; Messi tops Golden Boot race Defending champions Argentina faced a fierce challenge but managed to edge out Cape Verde with a thrilling 3-2 win in extra time, earning their place in the World Cup Round of 16. Lionel Messi kicked off the scoring, only for the determined Blue Sharks to bounce back twice. A dramatic own goal in the final moments cemented Argentina's progress while Cape Verde ended their unforgettable debut with honor.

Argentina survive huge scare to beat Cape Verde in World Cup epic: Live ... FIFA World Cup 2026 Advertisement live Updated36s ago Reigning champions Argentina narrowly avoided one of the all-time great upsets as they beat Cape Verde 3-2 in one of the best matches in recent World Cup history. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a remarkable goal-of-the-tournament contender when he curled a shot past Emiliano Martinez to draw Cape Verde level after Lisandro Martinez’s strike in extra time. But Cristian Romero broke Cape Verde hearts when his deflected header went in. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the first half, moving clear of Kylian Mbappe and into outright first place in the race for the Golden Boot, before Deroy Duarte’s strike forced the game into extra time. Argentina will next face Egypt in Atlanta. Cape Verde players are hovering near the goal area where the few pockets of their fans were situated for this match. They are getting well deserved support from their own, but also from the Argentinians in the area, even while the rest of the stadium continues to celebrate with the Argentina players on the other end. The best game of this World Cup comes to an end andArgent…

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi, Argentina beat Cabo Verde 3-2 in extra time thriller, advancing to Round of 16 The tiny African nation put on a fight for the ages with stunning goals against the World Champion, but its fairytale run ends in the Round of 32

Lionel Messi and Argentina await Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the ... Argentina’s Lionel Messi trains for the World Cup soccer tournament Monday, June 29, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Argentina’s Lionel Messi trains for the World Cup soccer tournament Monday, June 29, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Cape Verde head coach Bubista speaks during a World Cup soccer press conference Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Cape Verde’s Stopira speaks during a World Cup soccer press conference Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes, center front, works out with his teammates during a World Cup training session Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars. Cape Verde has none of that. Soccer’s version of David vs. Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cup champion Argentina faces a Cape Verde squad with absolutely no burden…

Lionel Messi and Argentina await Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup <p>MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. &#8212; Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars.</p>

Cape Verde hope to continue World Cup fairytale against Messi's Argentina Minnows Cape Verde hope to continue their World Cup fairytale on Friday as they face Argentina, and footballing legend Lionel Messi. The Atlantic archipelago became the smallest ever nation to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup by earning unexpected draws with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde Faces Argentina in Historic Match MIAMI GARDENS, USA– As debutants Cape Verde prepare for a historic World Cup round-of-32 clash against defending champions Argentina, former Portuguese international and Cape Verdean native Oceano Cruz believes the “Blue Sharks” can continue their fairy-tale run if they lean into their greatest strength: unity. The 63-year-old former midfielder, who earned 54 caps for Portugal and recently coached their youth national teams, admitted that the task ahead is daunting. Argentina enters the knockout stage in lethal form, led by a record-breaking Lionel Messi. “It’s starting to get a bit more complicated now,” Cruz told Lusa. “Argentina is one of the teams in the best form. I see a very difficult path for Cape Verde, but it is possible to believe and continue dreaming, as long as they maintain the cohesion and unity shown in recent games.” The match, set for Friday at 6:00 PM local time at Hard Rock Stadium, represents a massive milestone for Cape Verde. The island nation is the first debutant since 2010 to reach the knockout stages and the smallest country by both landmass and population to ever advance past the group sta…

Messi, Argentina nearly suffered historic World Cup upset from Cape ... MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. --Argentinasurvived an almighty scare to book their place in the World Cup round of 16 witha dramatic 3-2 winoverCape Verdeafter extra time Friday. Tottenham defenderCristian Romeroheaded in the game winner via a deflection offDiney BorgesfromLionel Messi's corner in the 111th minute, but only after Cape Verde had threatened to cause perhaps the greatest shock in World Cup history. The African debutants twice found equalizers -- one in extra time -- to push the reigning world champions to the brink of an unthinkable upset. Messi got his seventh of the tournament with a wonderfully taken goal in the first half only forDeroy Duarteto cancel it out in the second half and stun the thousands of Argentina fans inside Miami Stadium into silence. With the score 1-1 after 90 minutes,Manchester UniteddefenderLisandro Martínezappeared to end Cape Verde's resistance early in extra time to make it 2-1. But that was before fullbackSidny Cabralproduced a moment of magic and possibly the goal of the World Cup so far when he cut in off the left and curled his effort into the top corner. Argentina went…

David v Goliath as Cape Verde Face Messi's Argentina at World Cup A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take center stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake. Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history. The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year's expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of back-to-back World Cup titles. But Cape Verde insist they will not be overawed by the occasion and the prospect of sharing a field with the reigning world champions and eight-time Ballon D'Or winner Messi. "We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about," Cape Verde coa…

Argentina vs Cape Verde live updates: World Cup 2026 round of 32 game ... FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE 2m ago Advertisement live Updated42s ago Argentina continue their World Cup title defence today in a hotly anticipated round of 32 clash with debutants Cape Verde. Cape Verde have been the story of the World Cup, having progressed out of their group against all odds with three draws. Meanwhile Argentina, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, secured three wins from three as they cruised through the group stage. There was, of course, some discussion of Lionel Messi at yesterday’s press conferences. MidfielderRodrigo De Paul, who spoke alongside Lionel Scaloni, urged his compatriots to enjoy their national icon while they still can, rather than focusing on exactly when he might retire. De Paul said:“For me, the main thing is to enjoy Leo Messi every single day, just as every Argentinian citizen does. Of course, we always value those things more when we don’t have them anymore. That’s part of life. But we are all enjoying having him around.” Much of the pre-match buildup has focused on Lionel Messi for obvious reasons, but Argentina head coachLionel Scalonimade sure to single out th…