Messi’s Argentina escape fearless Cape Verde in extra-time epic

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Argentina overcame a spirited challenge from tournament surprise package Cape Verde to secure a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after an enthralling knockout clash.

Lionel Scaloni’s side looked set for a comfortable evening when captain Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, latching onto an exquisite lofted pass from Lisandro Martínez before firing emphatically into the roof of the net.

Despite Argentina dominating possession and creating the better chances, Cape Verde refused to be overawed and produced a resilient second-half display that stunned the South American giants.

The Africans drew level in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes picked out Deroy Duarte, who calmly slotted beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to ignite hopes of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Messi twice came close to restoring Argentina’s advantage, only to be denied by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose string of outstanding saves kept his side in the contest.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time.

Argentina regained the lead almost immediately after the restart when defender Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest inside the six-yard box in the 92nd minute, converting from close range after Alexis Mac Allister had nodded a Messi corner into his path.

But Cape Verde responded once again in remarkable fashion.

In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a stunning strike from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Emiliano Martínez rooted and forcing another dramatic twist in an already pulsating encounter.

Just as the tie appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough.

A dangerous corner delivered by Messi in the 111th minute caused panic inside the Cape Verde penalty area, with defender Diney Borges inadvertently turning the ball into his own net under intense pressure to hand the two-time world champions a 3-2 lead.

Cape Verde refused to surrender and launched a relentless late assault.

Emiliano Martínez produced two outstanding saves in the closing minutes, first denying Steven Moreira’s close-range header before brilliantly pushing away a dangerous free-kick from Sidny Lopes Cabral to preserve Argentina’s slender advantage.

The final whistle confirmed Argentina’s passage after one of the most dramatic matches of the knockout stage.

While Messi once again inspired his side with a goal, an assist and constant attacking menace, Cape Verde emerged with enormous credit after pushing one of football’s traditional powerhouses to the limit in a fearless performance that won admiration despite the heartbreaking defeat.