Messi’s Argentina Escape Biggest World Cup Upset Scare; Here’s What Happened In The Thrilling Clash
Miami: Defending champions Argentina, led by football superstar Lionel Messi, narrowly escaped what could have been one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history on Saturday morning. Messi and his teammates were pushed to the limit by tournament debutants Cape Verde in a match full of drama and excitement. Despite the intense battle, Messi added a few more records to his illustrious career.
Argentina survived a spirited challenge from World Cup debutants Cape Verde to register a hard-fought 3-2 victory in this Round of 32 encounter.
Tiny Cape Verde Gave Messi and Argentina a Tough Fight
Cape Verde, an African nation made up of 10 small islands, arrived with a well-prepared game plan. Their players, led by goalkeeper Vozinha, played fearlessly and never allowed Argentina to settle into their rhythm, troubling Messi and his teammates from start to finish.
World No. 1 Argentina vs World No. 67 Cape Verde
With a population of barely 525,000—smaller than many suburbs of Mumbai—Cape Verde were playing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Although world No. 1 Argentina emerged victorious, the 67th-ranked African side won the admiration of millions of football fans with their fearless display.
Playing in his record sixth World Cup and his record-breaking 30th World Cup match, Messi—already the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals—had to wait until the 29th minute before scoring his historic 20th World Cup goal.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha and his defenders refused to surrender under sustained Argentine pressure. They matched the 2022 world champions for long spells and walked off the field with their heads held high despite the defeat.
Cape Verde Hit Back in the 59th Minute
Cape Verde responded through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute to level the score at 1-1, delivering a strong reply to Messi and Argentina.
Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead in the 92nd minute to make it 2-1, and the defending champions appeared to be heading towards victory.
However, deep into extra time, Sidney Cabral equalised in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2 and set up a dramatic finish.
In the 111th minute, Cristian Romero’s header took a slight deflection off Cape Verde defender Dini Borges before finding the net for a decisive own goal. Argentina eventually secured a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to that late slice of fortune.
Argentina to Face Egypt; Colombia Also Advance
Argentina will now take on Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt booked their place after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In another Round of 32 match, Colombia edged past Ghana 1-0 to progress to the next stage.
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