Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Diney Borges' Mistake Seals La Albiceleste's Last-16 Spot

Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog as Argentina and Cape Verde face-off in the Round of 32 match. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from Miami Stadium.

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026

Stage: Round of 32

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM EDT (3:30 AM IST on July 4)

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Miami, Florida, USA

Referee: Clement Turpin

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, Spain dominated Austria in a 3-0 victory, driven by a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and an additional goal from Pedro Porro. Meanwhile, Portugal narrowly advanced past Croatia with a dramatic 2-1 win; Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal from a penalty, and Gonçalo Ramos secured the victory with a late stoppage-time winner after a potential late equalizer from Croatia’s Joško Gvardiol was ruled out for offside. Finally, Switzerland comfortably reached the last 16 by defeating Algeria 2-0, with first-half and second-half goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye respectively, marking a tactical victory for Murat Yakin’s side.

Lionel Messi has been in imperious form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting six goals across the group stage to spearhead Argentina's perfect campaign. His tournament began with a spectacular hat-trick against Algeria, followed by a clinical brace in a victory over Austria that saw him surpass Miroslav Klose’s record to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. Messi capped off his group-stage dominance by coming off the bench against Jordan to curl in a trademark free-kick, a goal that also extended his historic run to seven consecutive World Cup appearances with a goal. With this tally, the 39-year-old maestro currently sits level with Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race, further cementing his legendary status on the world’s biggest stage.

Cape Verde’s performance in the FIFA World cup 2026 group stage was one of the tournament's most remarkable underdog stories. Making their World Cup debut, the "Blue Sharks" progressed to the Round of 32 by remaining unbeaten in Group H, drawing all three of their matches against Spain (0–0), Uruguay (2–2), and Saudi Arabia (0–0). By securing three points from three draws, Cape Verde finished as group runners-up behind Spain, becoming the smallest nation by population to ever reach the knockout stages of a men’s FIFA World cup 2026. A cornerstone of their success was the veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who kept two clean sheets and earned global acclaim for his commanding performances. Cape Verde’s tactical discipline and resilience against historically superior opposition cemented their status as the surprise package of the tournament.

Argentina’s journey through the group stages of the FIFA World cup 2026 was defined by trademark clinical efficiency and the continued brilliance of their veteran core. Drawn into Group G, La Albiceleste navigated a challenging path with a blend of tactical flexibility and offensive firepower.

They opened their campaign with a decisive victory, establishing an early rhythm that carried them throughout the opening round. While they faced stiff resistance in subsequent matches, the team’s ability to control the tempo through midfield mastery and capitalize on transition moments ensured they remained at the top of their group. Lionel Messi remained the creative heartbeat of the side, consistently breaking down low defensive blocks, while the defense proved remarkably resolute, conceding very few high-quality chances. Finishing at the summit of their group with an unbeaten record, Argentina cemented their status as a primary contender, showcasing the composure and tactical maturity required to make a deep run in the FIFA World cup 2026.

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez

SUBS: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Leandro Paredes, Valentin Barco, Julian Alvarez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Nicolas Otamendi, Jose Manuel Lopez

Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral; Kevin Pina; Ryan Mendes, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral; Nuno da Costa

SUBS: Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos, Stopira, Logan Costa, Joao Paulo, Gilson Benchimol, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues, Yannick Semedo, Willy Semedo, Telmo Arcanjo, Dailon Livramento, Wagner Pina, Kelvin Pires, Helio Varela

The Round of 32 clash between Argentina and Cape Verde is officially underway at Miami Stadium. As the match kicks off, Nuno da Costa has taken the opening touch for the "Blue Sharks," who are already enjoying a historic tournament run.

The match in Miami has seen its first moment of high tension as Nahuel Molina goes down after a heavy collision with Cape Verde defender Sidny Cabral.

The incident occurred just moments ago while the Argentina right-back was attempting a sharp one-two combination with Alexis Mac Allister deep in the attacking third. Despite Molina staying down on the turf in clear frustration, the referee waved play on immediately, signaling that he saw no foul in the challenge. Argentina are continuing to apply pressure as they look to break down a disciplined Cape Verde backline that has yet to concede a goal in this knockout-stage battle.

Argentina have finally surged to life in Miami, creating their most dangerous opportunity of the match so far. Following a lethargic opening, Rodrigo de Paul ignited the attack with a precision pass into the box, finding Thiago Almada on the wing. Almada’s clever cutback set the stage for Lionel Messi, who sliced through two defenders with a brilliant first touch. However, the captain couldn't keep his composure on the finish, dragging his shot agonizingly wide of the far post. It is a massive let-off for the Cape Verde defense, as Argentina signal that their pressure is beginning to mount.

Argentina have just squandered a golden opportunity from a dead-ball situation! As expected, Lionel Messi stepped up to strike the free-kick for Argentina, curling a dangerous effort around a disjointed Cape Verde wall. However, Argentina were denied the opening goal as the ball went straight into the waiting gloves of Vozinha. Cape Verde have been fortunate to escape that threat, and they are still level in this high-stakes contest.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!! Argentina have finally clicked into gear, and they are ahead! Straight from the restart, Argentina are on the front foot, with Lisandro Martinez floating a brilliant long pass toward their familiar talisman in the box. Gliding free of the Cape Verde defence, Lionel Messi has brought the ball down mid-stride and, without needing another touch, have lifted it past Vozinha into the near corner to put Argentina 1–0 up! It is a moment of pure magic, and Argentina are now in the driver's seat as they look to assert their dominance. Cape Verde are going to have to respond quickly if they are to stay in this match!

Cape Verde are looking to mount a quick comeback as they press forward in search of an equalizer! Sidny Cabral, operating from left-back, has cut in-field and unleashed a hopeful effort on his right foot. However, Cape Verde have failed to trouble the goalkeeper, as the ball has sailed some way wide from 35 yards out. Cape Verde are clearly showing intent to respond, but they are lacking the precision needed to test Argentina at this stage of the match

Argentina have just missed a fantastic opportunity to double their lead! After an attempted throughball from Alexis Mac Allister was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box. Argentina were ready to celebrate as the midfielder unleashed a powerful first-time strike, but Cape Verde are still in the contest thanks to an excellent parry by Vozinha, who have managed to keep his team within striking distance!

The referee’s whistle has just blown to signal the end of the first half, with Argentina holding a slim 1–0 advantage! The final moment before the break saw Argentina looking to extend their lead as Lisandro Martinez sent another ambitious diagonal pass into the box toward Lionel Messi. However, the ball was just too high for the captain to control, and they have watched it sail behind for a goal-kick. As the teams head into the dressing rooms, Argentina are feeling confident with their lead, while Cape Verde are looking to regroup and find a way back into this FIFA World Cup 2026 clash.

Cape Verde have signaled their intent early in the second half, earning their first corner of the match! The delivery found Sidny Cabral, whose near-post header was initially deflected. The loose ball fell perfectly to Jovane Cabral on the edge of the box, and Cape Verde were ready to celebrate as their number seven unleashed a powerful first-time strike toward the goal. However, Argentina have held firm, as Rodrigo De Paul successfully stepped in to produce a vital block, steering the ball behind for another corner. Cape Verde are clearly growing in confidence, but Argentina have remained disciplined under this renewed pressure.

The action at Miami Stadium has intensified as Cape Verde and Argentina trade meaningful opportunities! Following a Cape Verde corner, a headed clearance from Argentina was hooked back into the final third. With space to turn, Mendes unleashed a thumping half-volley, but Cape Verde have been left frustrated as they sent the effort over the crossbar.

Argentina responded immediately with a golden chance of their own! Lionel Messi picked out Nahuel Molina with an exquisite cross-field pass, but the unmarked right-back could not bring the ball under control, and Argentina have ultimately sent the opportunity behind for a goal-kick. Both teams are looking dangerous, and while Argentina are still clinging to their 1–0 lead, Cape Verde are proving they have the energy to keep pushing for an equalizer as the second half progresses.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!! Cape Verde are level!! Cape Verde have been by far the better side since half-time, and they have rightfully punished Argentina to make it 1–1. Moreira played Mendes into space on the right, and the skipper quickly found Deroy Duarte with a sharp cutback into the area. Although the angle was against them, the Cape Verde midfielder managed to squeeze a near-post shot beyond both Lisandro and Emiliano Martinez, finding the far corner to draw things up! Cape Verde have been rewarded for their relentless pressure, and Argentina are now facing a real test of their character as they find themselves in a stalemate once again.

Argentina have threatened once again as they look to reclaim the lead! Argentina put together a sharp attacking move when Lisandro Martinez played a wide pass into the area, which Nicolas Gonzalez chested down into the path of Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder arrived perfectly to connect with a scissor-kick half-volley, but Argentina have been left frustrated as the effort sailed beyond the back post. Argentina are clearly ramping up the pressure, yet they are finding it difficult to convert their chances while Cape Verde are fighting hard to hold onto this draw.

SAVED!!!! Vozinha have produced another marvellous stop to keep Cape Verde in this match! Only minutes after drilling a long-range free-kick into the wall, Lionel Messi have stepped up to take another, this time much closer to the Cape Verde box. With Vozinha still organizing his wall, Messi went early with a clever curling strike bound for the top-right corner, but the veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper have somehow gotten across in time to palm it behind! Argentina are clearly frustrated, as they have been repeatedly denied by the shot-stopper, and Cape Verde are continuing to hold firm as the pressure from Argentina intensifies in these dying stages.

SAVED!!!! Vozinha have produced another marvellous stop to keep Cape Verde in this match! Only minutes after drilling a long-range free-kick into the wall, Lionel Messi have stepped up to take another, this time much closer to the Cape Verde box. With Vozinha still organizing his wall, Messi went early with a clever curling strike bound for the top-right corner, but the veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper have somehow gotten across in time to palm it behind! Argentina are clearly frustrated, as they have been repeatedly denied by the shot-stopper, and Cape Verde are continuing to hold firm as the pressure from Argentina intensifies in these dying stages.

SAVED!!! Argentina have been denied once again by the heroics of Vozinha! Up steps Lionel Messi once more, and he has hit a low effort past the wall which took a deflection off Sidny Cabral. A wrong-footed Vozinha still managed to parry the shot on his line, and he then reacted quickly to catch the follow-up header from Enzo Fernandez.

Lionel Messi has now hit five shots on target for the first time in his 30 FIFA World Cup 2026 appearances, but those efforts could yet be all in vain with this match now heading for extra time. The referee has blown the final whistle, and at the end of 90 minutes, Argentina and Cape Verde are locked at 1–1!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!!!! Argentina have begun extra time with a bang! Within minutes of the restart, Nahuel Molina's cross won a corner, and Lionel Messi’s delivery was flicked on at the near post by Alexis Mac Allister. While Lisandro Martinez couldn't reach it with his head, Argentina kept the pressure on; after bringing the ball under control, Martinez put his boot through it and then some, smashing a fierce left-footed strike into the top corner to restore the lead for Argentina! They are now 2–1 up just two minutes into the added half-hour, thanks to that rip-roaring near-post finish from Martinez!

SAVED!!! Vozinha has come to the rescue for Cape Verde yet again, denying Lionel Messi in a critical moment! Nicolas Gonzalez turned expertly into space inside the box and pulled the ball back for the waiting Messi, but the captain’s first-time finish was brilliantly parried away by the veteran goalkeeper. Cape Verde were not out of danger yet, as the ball fell to Gonzalo Montiel for the follow-up, but the initial goalscorer, Deroy Duarte, threw himself in the way to produce a vital block!

The referee has blown the whistle for half-time in extra time, and Argentina hold a narrow 2–1 advantage. It has been a breathless period, with Argentina storming ahead early through Lisandro Martinez, but Cape Verde continue to show remarkable resilience at the back. Both sides now have a few moments to regroup before the final 15 minutes of this intense FIFA World Cup 2026 clash.

Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral collects a precise pass and fires the fires from mid-range into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Cabo Verde has leveled the score line once again.

Goaaalll...! Argentina are ahead again. Cabo Verde's Diney Borges tried to head the ball away from but instead turns a cross back into his own goal.

That's it! The referee blows the final whistle, and with it, the extra time comes to an end. What a thrilling match we had on our hands, and Argentina came out as the winner after 124 minutes of intense play. Kudos to Cabo Verde, though, for keeping the defending champions on their toes for the entirety of the match and pushing them to the brink to get that win.

That's a wrap! That's a wrap from our end, we'll be back soon with another blog, until then, bye bye.