Messi scores again but Argentina given World Cup upset fright by Cape Verde
Reigning champions Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in a thrilling contest and book a last-16 date with Egypt.
Argentina scrape through
Argentina survived a major scare against Cape Verde on Friday, winning 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating World Cup round-of-32 match. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his seventh goal of the tournament, but the African debutants refused to back down.
Deroy Duarte equalized just before the hour mark. In the first period of extra time, Lisandro Martinez fired Argentina ahead again, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to curl in a stunning equalizer in the 103rd minute. The match was ultimately decided by an own goal from Cape Verde defender Diney Borges, who deflected Cristian Romero's header into his own net from a Messi corner.
Debutants impress
Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world, were playing in their first World Cup and had already drawn with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. They showed incredible resilience and quality, with libero Kevin Pina outstanding. Goalkeeper Vozinha made several fine saves, and the team fought until the end.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also produced crucial stops, including a late free-kick save from Lopes Cabral. Messi, now 39, took his World Cup goal tally to 20. Argentina will face Egypt in Atlanta next Tuesday in the last 16.
