Borges Own Goal Rescues Argentina in Extra-Time Cape Verde Thriller
Related teams:Argentina, cape-verde
Match statistics
View knockout bracket →- Lionel Messi 29'(Lisandro Martínez)
- Deroy Duarte 59'
- Lisandro Martínez 92'(Alexis Mac Allister)
- Sidny Lopes Cabral 103'
- Diney 111'(OG)(Cristian Romero)
- Kevin Pina 68'
- Gonzalo Montiel 115'
HT 1–0|Poss 64–36%|Shots 22–13|SOT 10–5
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 • 18:00 (Miami Gardens local)
Argentina beat Cape Verde 3–2 after extra time at Hard Rock Stadium in one of the great World Cup knockout games. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a sublime 29th-minute finish, Deroy Duarte levelled before the hour, and Lisandro Martínez restored the lead two minutes into extra time — only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to curl in a stunning 103rd-minute equaliser that threatened the biggest upset in tournament history.
Cristian Romero's header from Lionel Messi's corner deflected off Diney and past Vozinha in the 111th minute to finally settle the tie in front of 64,478 fans. Argentina finished with 64% possession, 22 shots and 10 on target to Cape Verde's 13 and five, with Vozinha making eight saves. Kevin Pina and Gonzalo Montiel were the only players booked.
La Albiceleste advance to face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday after the Pharaohs eliminated Australia on penalties earlier on Friday. Cape Verde depart as heroes despite bowing out without a knockout victory — their performances against Spain, Uruguay and the reigning champions will define the expanded-format tournament for many.