Argentina Advances to Pre-Quarterfinals After Defeating Cape Verde in Thrilling World Cup Match July 4, 2026, 06:53 AM IST Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in a World Cup clash, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals of the tournament. The match, held in Miami, saw the reigning champions overcome a spirited challenge from the underdogs, with a last-minute self-goal from Cape Verde’s Dinis Borges sealing the win. The result marked a significant milestone for Cape Verde, who became the first team in World Cup history to reach the knockout stage from their region. The match began with Argentina taking an early lead in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi scored his 20th career World Cup goal. However, Cape Verde responded in the second half, with Deroy Duarte netting an equalizer. The game remained deadlocked until extra time, where Argentina regained the advantage. In the 107th minute, Lisandro Martinez converted a penalty to put Argentina ahead, but Cape Verde’s Sidney Lopes Cabral equalized with a stunning strike. The decisive moment came in the 113th minute when Messi’s precise pass found Dinis Borges, who inadvertently scored his own team’s goal. The goal sent Argentina into the pre-quarterfinals, where they will face Egypt. The victory highlighted Argentina’s resilience, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez making crucial saves in the closing stages. Cape Verde’s performance was celebrated as a historic achievement, with their coach praising the team’s determination. Despite the loss, the African nation’s squad remains proud of their historic run. The match also showcased Messi’s enduring influence, as his goal and assist were pivotal in securing the win. The result sets up an intriguing clash against Egypt, with both teams eager to continue their World Cup campaigns.#lionel_messi #argentina #emiliano_martinez #cape_verde #dinis_borges
