Lionel Messi is set for another World Cup outing, and this time it comes against a side with absolutely nothing to lose. In the last 32 clash at Hard Rock Stadium, defending champions Argentina take on Cape Verde, a team that carries none of the pressure of expectations that usually accompanies a knockout tie. Football fans across the world will once again be watching for a glimpse of Messi's magic on the ball.
Could this be the biggest upset in sporting history?
Should Cape Verde pull off a win here, it would rank among the most stunning upsets not just in football but across the entire history of sport. The closest parallel dates back to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, when a young American ice hockey team stunned the then unbeatable Soviet Union side to claim gold.
The small nation's giant killing run and its 40 year old goalkeeper
When the World Cup draw was made, Argentina were expected to run into Spain or Uruguay at this stage. The three time champions, who finished top of Group J, were slated to face the runner up from Group H, a spot that was expected to go to either Spain or Uruguay. Instead, Cape Verde entered the picture. A nation of just five lakh people produced a fairytale run, powered in large part by 40 year old goalkeeper Vozinha. His mother had to go through a long struggle just to secure a US visa to watch the group stage matches in person. Cape Verde's biggest statement came when they held mighty Spain to a draw, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
How Argentina and Cape Verde ended up facing each other
2010 champions Spain went on to make the knockout stage, but two time champions Uruguay did not. That twist opened the door for Cape Verde to line up against Messi's Argentina, a matchup nobody had predicted when the tournament began.
Cape Verde coach Bubista's rallying words
Ahead of the game, Cape Verde coach Bubista called it the most important match in his team's history and said his side would enjoy every moment of it. He made it clear that Cape Verde has not stumbled into this stage by luck, but has earned it through strong performances. Bubista added that his team wants to show the world exactly how much quality Cape Verde football has to offer.
When and where to watch Messi's match in India
Cape Verde have not won a single match in the tournament and have reached this stage on the back of three draws. Argentina, on the other hand, have won all three of their matches, with Messi finding the net in each one. The fixture is scheduled for July 3, but for viewers in India it will be telecast in the early hours of July 4, starting at 3:30 am. The match will stream live on the Zee5 website and app, while the television broadcast will be on Unite8 Sports.
