Argentina Needed Extra Time And A Late Romero Strike To See Off Tiny Cabo Verde

Defending champions Argentina were pushed all the way by 600,000-strong Cabo Verde in the FIFA World Cup 2026, eventually winning 3-2 in extra time through a late Cristian Romero goal to reach the Round of 16.

Defending champions Argentina needed a nerve-wracking extra-time goal to beat Cabo Verde 3-2 and book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The scoreline stood level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending the match into extra time, where Cabo Verde pushed Argentina to the brink before a late strike settled the contest.

Messi opens the scoring, Cabo Verde hits back
Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead at half time. Cabo Verde responded in the second half when Deroy Duarte found the net in the 59th minute to level the score at 1-1. Neither side could find a breakthrough for the remainder of regulation time, forcing the match into extra time.

Extra time swings both ways
Argentina looked to have done enough when Lisandro Martinez scored in the 93rd minute to make it 2-1 in the first half of extra time. But Cabo Verde refused to fold, with Sidnei Lopes Cabral scoring a superb goal to draw the match level again at 2-2, stunning the Argentine fans inside the stadium.

Romero's late strike saves the champions
With the tie level and tension mounting, Argentina found their winner in the second half of extra time. Cristian Romero converted in the 110th minute off a brilliant corner delivery from Lionel Messi, putting Argentina 3-2 ahead. That goal proved decisive, as Argentina held on to seal a hard-fought win and advance to the Round of 16.

A nation of 600,000 that refused to back down
Cabo Verde, playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup, took the reigning champions all the way to extra time despite having a population of just 600,000. Their performance energised spectators and forced a much-fancied Argentina side to fight until the final whistle before somehow escaping with their reputation intact.

What this means for you
This result matters mainly to football fans and anyone following the FIFA World Cup 2026.

• For fans: Argentina have advanced to the Round of 16, meaning Messi and his team's World Cup campaign continues.
• Hope for underdogs: Cabo Verde, with a population of just 600,000, showed that small nations can still push champion sides to their limits.

Questions & Answers

1. What was the final score between Argentina and Cabo Verde at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina beat Cabo Verde 3-2.

2. Who scored the winning goal and when?
Cristian Romero scored the winning goal in the 110th minute off a corner from Lionel Messi.

3. What was the score after 90 minutes?
The score was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending the match into extra time.

4. Who scored for Cabo Verde?
Deroy Duarte scored in the 59th minute and Sidnei Lopes Cabral scored in extra time for Cabo Verde.

5. Who scored Argentina's first goal in the match?
Lionel Messi scored Argentina's first goal in the 29th minute.

6. What is Cabo Verde's population?
Cabo Verde has a population of just 600,000 and is playing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

7. Which round has Argentina reached after this win?
Argentina have advanced to the Round of 16 after this win.

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