The lead
July 3, 2026 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA — Messi and Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time thriller, advancing to World Cup Round of 16. Diney Borges' own goal in extra time saw Argentina take the victory, as Lionel Messi extended his record with his 20th World Cup goal..
How the match unfolded
This Round of 32 match finished 3-2 for Argentina over Cabo Verde after extra time on the official ESPN match center. Argentina seized early momentum when Lionel Messi (Argentina) left footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the top right corner. Assisted by Lisandro Martínez with a through ball. in the 29'. The middle phases featured 3 more goals as both sides traded blows in a tense knockout atmosphere. The final swing came in the 111' when Own Goal by Diney Borges, Cabo Verde. Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2.. 64,478 fans were in the building at Hard Rock Stadium.
Key passages from the live ESPN commentary feed:
Goal-by-goal
Cards, fouls, and controversy
Diney Borges' own goal in extra time saw Argentina take the victory, as Lionel Messi extended his record with his 20th World Cup goal..
Bookings: 2 yellow cards were issued per the official match log.
What it means in the tournament
Argentina leave Hard Rock Stadium with a result that moves them forward in the 48-team bracket. Surviving the Round of 32 keeps Argentina alive for Round of 16 action in early July. Cabo Verde head home.
What comes next
Argentina advance to the Round of 16 while the bracket continues across North American host cities through July 7.
*Sources: ESPN match center, ESPN match feed, FIFA World Cup 2026. AthX covers MLB trading; this recap is for World Cup fans following the North America tournament. Information only; not financial advice.*
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