Reigning FIFA World Cup champions Argentina narrowly avoided what sports analysts are calling the greatest upset in football history, overcoming a heroic Cape Verde side 3-2 after extra time on Friday night. An agonising 111th-minute own goal at a packed Miami Stadium sealed Argentina’s dramatic survival in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The tournament debutants, representing an island nation of just 500,000 people, twice came from behind against the world's top-ranked side. Lionel Scaloni's team laboured extensively in the South Florida heat, repeatedly thwarted by a fearless Blue Sharks squad and an eight-save masterclass from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
The match initially followed expectations when Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute. The 39-year-old superstar controlled a lofted pass from Lisandro MartÃnez with a delicate touch before rifling a high finish home, marking his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal.
Cape Verde stunned the stadium just before the hour mark when midfielder Deroy Duarte collected a pass from Ryan Mendes and drove a low shot through MartÃnez's legs past goalkeeper Emi MartÃnez. The 1-1 deadlock held through regulation, forcing a sapping extra period.
Argentina quickly responded in the 92nd minute when Lisandro MartÃnez whipped a brilliant effort into the top right corner off an Alexis Mac Allister flick. Yet, Cape Verde answered back in the 103rd minute with a goal of the tournament contender, as full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral curled a spectacular long-range strike past a full-stretch defence.
The decisive blow landed nine minutes before a potential penalty shootout. Cristian Romero met a corner kick with a powerful header that deflected off Cape Verde defender Diney Borges into his own net.
Despite the exit, the minnows departed to a massive standing ovation from the 65,000 fans in attendance. Argentina now advances to face Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday.