Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina survived one of the toughest tests of their title defence on Friday night, overcoming a fearless Cape Verde side 3-2 after extra time in a gripping Round of 32 clash at Miami Stadium.

What many expected to be a routine victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side instead became one of the tournament’s standout matches, with World Cup debutants Cape Verde twice coming from behind to push the reigning champions to the brink of elimination before an unfortunate extra-time own goal settled the contest.

Argentina, unbeaten throughout the group stage, took the lead in the 29th minute through captain Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner latched onto a precise pass before firing past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha to register his seventh goal of the tournament and extend his remarkable World Cup scoring streak.

Cape Verde, however, refused to be intimidated by the occasion.

The African side, ranked 67th in the world and making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup, responded with determination after the break. Midfielder Deroy Duarte levelled the scores in the 59th minute, silencing a largely pro-Argentina crowd and injecting belief into the Blue Sharks.

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the contest moved into extra time, where the drama intensified.

Argentina regained the lead in the 103rd minute when defender Lisandro Martínez found the back of the net, seemingly putting the South Americans on course for a place in the Round of 16. But Cape Verde responded once again.

Just minutes later, Sidny Lopes Cabral produced one of the goals of the tournament with a stunning long-range strike that beat Emiliano Martínez, making it 2-2 and leaving Argentina facing the real possibility of a penalty shootout.

The decisive moment came in the 111th minute.

Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, where Cristian Romero rose highest to meet the ball. His header deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and into the net, with the goal ultimately recorded as an own goal. Despite a late push from Cape Verde, Argentina held on to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory and progress to the Round of 16.

Following the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that his players had been pushed to their limits by an inspired opponent.

“We had to suffer,” Scaloni said. “No knockout match is easy. The players gave everything and showed great character.” He added that suggestions Argentina had underestimated Cape Verde were unfounded, praising his squad’s resilience under pressure.

Cape Verde head coach Bubista, meanwhile, praised his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.

“We leave with our heads held high,” he said after the match, describing the tournament as a historic milestone for his country and expressing confidence that the team’s performance had earned global respect.

Although eliminated, Cape Verde emerged as one of the stories of the tournament.

The island nation became the smallest country by land area ever to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, advancing after drawing all three of its group matches, including an impressive goalless draw against Spain. Led by the experienced 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, the Blue Sharks consistently defied expectations and won admiration for their disciplined defending, fearless attacking football and unwavering belief against some of the world’s strongest teams.

For Argentina, the victory keeps alive hopes of retaining the World Cup title, although Friday’s performance served as a reminder that the knockout stages leave little room for error. After being stretched to extra time by tournament debutants, Scaloni’s men will now turn their attention to a Round of 16 showdown against Egypt, knowing sterner tests may still lie ahead.