Live Match: Argentina vs Cabo Verde, FIFA World Cup Round of 32 — Messi Nets 20th WC Goal, Becomes First Player to Feature in 30 World Cup Matches

Extra time second half concludes and Argentina claim a 3-2 victory. In a breathtaking contest, Argentina avoided what could have been a historic humiliation. After ninety minutes ended level at 1-1, both sides produced three further goals during extra time, with the decisive moment arriving via an own goal that brought Cabo Verde's remarkable World Cup journey to a close. Yet the small African island nation's display merits the highest praise — they troubled the reigning World Champions with superb goals and unflinching resolve right through to the final whistle. Argentina now face Egypt in the Round of 16.

Cabo Verde's Hélio Varela attempts a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but the effort drifts past the left post.

Jamiro Monteiro of Cabo Verde drove a right-footed effort from outside the penalty area, but it was blocked.

The fourth official has indicated that three minutes of stoppage time will be added.

Hélio Varela of Cabo Verde struck a right-footed shot from range, but it was blocked. The move had been set up by Yannick Semedo.

Cabo Verde have been awarded a corner kick, given away by Lisandro Martínez.

Cabo Verde's Dailon Livramento was flagged offside, cutting short a promising move.

Cabo Verde earn yet another corner, with Emiliano Martínez having conceded it.

Diney Borges of Cabo Verde met a delivery with a header from the heart of the area, directing it towards the bottom left corner, but Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez pulled off a fine save. Steven Moreira had provided the cross.

Sidny Cabral of Cabo Verde let fly with a long-range right-footed effort from a tight angle on the left, aiming for the top right corner, but Argentina's Emiliano Martínez produced a superb save to keep his side ahead.

Cabo Verde are awarded a corner kick, conceded by Emiliano Martínez.

Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel was booked with a yellow card after committing a dangerous foul.

Hélio Varela of Cabo Verde earned a free kick out on the left flank.

Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina was penalised for giving away a foul.

Willy Semedo of Cabo Verde struck a left-footed effort from the left side of the box, but it was blocked. Jamiro Monteiro had created the chance.

Argentina were handed a vital reprieve when Messi played the ball in towards Romero, and it cannoned off Diney Borges into Cabo Verde's own net, restoring Argentina's advantage. Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2.

Cristian Romero of Argentina directed a header from the left edge of the six-yard box, but it drifted wide to the right. Lionel Messi had delivered the cross following a corner.

Argentina earn a corner kick. Diney Borges is the player who put the ball behind the byline to concede it.

Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina deep in his own half.

Willy Semedo of Cabo Verde is penalised for a foul.

Argentina's Nicolás Tagliafico is caught in the offside trap, bringing a promising move to a halt.

Yannick Semedo of Cabo Verde lets fly with a right-footed effort from outside the penalty area, but the shot drifts wide to the left. Gilson Benchimol had fashioned the opportunity.

Alexis Mac Allister secures a free kick for Argentina in the opposition's half.

Jamiro Monteiro of Cabo Verde gives away a foul, handing Argentina a set-piece opportunity.

The second period of extra time gets underway. Argentina and Cabo Verde resume at 2-2.

The opening period of extra time has come to a close. Both sides head into the short break level at 2-2.

Lionel Messi drills a left-footed shot from the centre of the penalty area, but Vozinha in the Cabo Verde goal produces a fine stop right in the middle of his net.

Gonzalo Montiel unleashes a right-footed attempt from the centre of the box for Argentina, but the Cabo Verde defence manages to block it.

The fourth official has indicated that three additional minutes will be played at the end of this period.

Argentina make a change — Gonzalo Montiel is brought on as a replacement for Nahuel Molina.

It's a goal! The scoreline now reads Argentina 2, Cabo Verde 2. Sidny Cabral has driven a right-footed finish from the left channel of the box into the top-right corner. Yannick Semedo provided the assist. This has every chance of being remembered as the finest goal of the whole tournament. A breathtaking effort from Sidny Lopes Cabral — a genuine wonder strike that brings Cabo Verde surging right back into contention.

Cabo Verde make a change — Gilson Benchimol comes on to replace Kevin Pina.

Another change for Cabo Verde — Yannick Semedo enters the field as a substitute for Deroy Duarte.

Enzo Fernández fires a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area for Argentina, but it is blocked before it can reach the keeper.

Argentina win a corner kick. Sidny Cabral is the player who puts the ball out for it.

Julián Alvarez drives a right-footed attempt from the heart of the penalty area for Argentina, only for it to be charged down.

Lionel Messi's left-footed effort from the centre of the box is blocked. The chance had been created by Julián Alvarez.

Steven Moreira of Cabo Verde tried a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it was blocked. Hélio Varela had provided the assist.

Cabo Verde are awarded a corner kick after Lisandro Martínez gave it away.

Diney Borges of Cabo Verde attempted a header from the middle of the box, but it went past the left post. The opportunity came from a Sidny Cabral cross following a corner.

Cabo Verde earn a corner kick, conceded by Nico González.

Cabo Verde were given a corner kick after Alexis Mac Allister conceded it.

Goal! Argentina 2, Cabo Verde 1. Lisandro Martínez drove a left-footed effort from the right channel of the penalty area, placing the ball perfectly into the top-right corner of the net. Alexis Mac Allister provided the assist after a corner kick.

A good chance went to waste for Argentina. Alexis Mac Allister attempted a header from the left side of the six-yard box, but the ball drifted to the right of the goal. Lionel Messi had supplied the cross after a corner kick.

Argentina have been awarded a corner kick. Cabo Verde's Pico Lopes was the player who conceded it.

The opening half of extra time is now underway, with the scores locked level at Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 1.

The second half is over and neither side managed to find a decisive blow — Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 1 after ninety minutes, and this remarkable contest now heads into extra time. Both squads appear visibly drained with their energy reserves running desperately low, yet Cabo Verde will fight for every remaining moment in pursuit of a goal that could shake world football to its core. Argentina peppered the goal with attempts and were desperate to settle matters before the additional period, but Vozinha and the stubborn Cabo Verde defensive unit simply refused to be broken. This extra time is set to be a thoroughly nerve-shredding affair.

Cabo Verde's Willy Semedo has been penalized for committing a foul.

Argentina's Nicolás Tagliafico has been awarded a free kick in his own defensive half of the pitch.

Argentina's Nico González has been called up for a foul.

Cabo Verde's Steven Moreira has earned a free kick in the attacking half of the field.

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been awarded a free kick in his own defensive half.

Argentina's Julián Alvarez has been penalized for a foul.

Enzo Fernández attempted a header from the heart of the penalty area, but Cabo Verde custodian Vozinha produced a sharp stop, clutching the ball in the centre of his goal.

Lionel Messi unleashed a left-footed drive from beyond the penalty box, but Vozinha was alert and smothered the effort in the centre of his goal.

Cabo Verde's Jamiro Monteiro has been penalized for a foul.

Lionel Messi has drawn a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half of the pitch.

Leandro Paredes unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box, aimed at the top-centre of the goal, but Vozinha was equal to the task and kept it out. The chance had been created by a pass from Alexis Mac Allister.

The fourth official has held up the board to indicate that eight additional minutes will be played at the end of regulation time.

Alexis Mac Allister rose to meet a Lionel Messi cross and directed a header from the centre of the box, but a Cabo Verde defender got across to block the effort before it could reach the goal.

Argentina have been awarded a corner kick, with Cabo Verde's Deroy Duarte the player who conceded it.

Alexis Mac Allister tried his luck with a right-footed effort from the right side of the penalty area, but a Cabo Verde defender managed to intervene and block the shot before it could reach the goalkeeper.

Cabo Verde penalised as Hélio Varela is caught in an offside position by the linesman.

Argentina are compelled to make an unplanned change as Nicolás Tagliafico comes on to replace an injured Facundo Medina.

Referee awards a handball against Enzo Fernández of Argentina, giving Cabo Verde a free kick opportunity.

Nico González meets a Lionel Messi cross from a corner with a header from the centre of the penalty area, but the attempt strays wide to the right of goal.

Argentina bring on Leandro Paredes as Rodrigo De Paul is substituted off.

A field graphic has been released charting the on-pitch path of Deroy Duarte's sensational goal, tracing every detail of how that stunning strike found the net.

Kevin Pina of Cabo Verde concedes a corner kick, which Argentina will take.

Pico Lopes of Cabo Verde gives away a corner kick as Argentina keep pressing in search of a breakthrough.

Cabo Verde make a tactical change, introducing Hélio Varela to replace Jovane Cabral.

Cabo Verde make another change, with Willy Semedo brought on as a replacement for Ryan Mendes.

Enzo Fernández draws a foul in Argentina's defensive half, earning his side a set piece restart.

Kevin Pina is penalised for a foul, handing Argentina a free kick.

Cristian Romero is fouled in Argentina's own defensive half, earning his team a free kick.

Cabo Verde's Dailon Livramento is punished for a foul committed on Cristian Romero.

Kevin Pina curls a right-footed direct free kick from outside the box, but the shot drifts past the left post.

Even granting that Argentina have not been at their sharpest in this tournament, the manner in which Cabo Verde pulled level — having spent the bulk of the match defending — is something truly extraordinary. Having already captured hearts during the group stage, if this small African island nation manages to eliminate the reigning World Champions, it would almost certainly rank as the greatest shock in World Cup history. The closing stages of this match promise to be absolutely unmissable!

Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina is called up for a foul, surrendering possession to Cabo Verde.

Jamiro Monteiro draws a foul in the attacking half of the pitch, earning Cabo Verde a free kick in a promising position.

Play is briefly halted on the field to allow the players a drinks break.

Nico González (Argentina) failed to convert from the middle of the box with a header that drifted wide left. Rodrigo De Paul had whipped in a cross following a corner to create the chance.

Vozinha (Cabo Verde) produced a fine stop, keeping out Lionel Messi's (Argentina) left-footed effort from outside the area at the top centre of the goal.

Argentina are awarded a corner after Vozinha's intervention sends the ball out behind the goal line.

Deroy Duarte (Cabo Verde) gives away a foul, handing a free kick to Argentina.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) draws a free kick for his side in the attacking half of the field.

A Cabo Verde defender got in the path of Lionel Messi's (Argentina) left-footed drive from outside the penalty area, stopping it before it could trouble the goalkeeper.

Kevin Pina (Cabo Verde) is shown a yellow card by the referee for a reckless challenge.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi wins another free kick for his team in the opposition's half of the pitch.

Kevin Pina (Cabo Verde) is penalised for a foul, giving possession back to Argentina.

Cabo Verde make a change, bringing on Dailon Livramento to replace Nuno da Costa.

Another switch for Cabo Verde — Jamiro Monteiro steps onto the pitch as Laros Duarte makes way.

Enzo Fernández (Argentina) squandered an opening, his right-footed strike from the left side of the box sailing past the far post. Nico González had set him up for the attempt.

Argentina make a change, sending on Nico González in place of the withdrawn Thiago Almada.

Julián Alvarez enters the fray for Argentina, taking the place of Lautaro Martínez who is withdrawn.

Messi (Argentina) tested Vozinha (Cabo Verde) with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, but the keeper held it comfortably in the middle of the goal. Lautaro Martínez had threaded a ball through the defence to manufacture the chance.

Argentina win a corner after Diney Borges turns the ball behind his own goal line.

Goal! Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 1. Deroy Duarte (Cabo Verde) fires home with his right foot from a tight angle on the right side, finding the bottom left corner. Ryan Mendes picked up the assist. The remarkable Cabo Verde story continues! Goalkeeper Emi Martínez was completely wrong-footed as Duarte's low, angled effort slipped through a defender's legs and into the net. This contest is now fully alive again!

Cristian Romero (Argentina) commits a foul, gifting a free kick to Cabo Verde.

Laros Duarte (Cabo Verde) earns a free kick for his side in their own defensive half.

Cabo Verde have written themselves into football's history books, becoming the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds. Their achievement stands as a powerful tribute to the grit and quality that has run through their squad throughout this tournament.

The second half is now in motion. Score: Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 0.

Coach Pradhyum Reddy has offered his views on Lionel Messi's exploits during this phase of his career at the FIFA World Cup, and why players of his calibre — including Cristiano Ronaldo — keep raising the bar even at this point in their lives. Lionel Messi has been redefining football's record books for the better part of two decades. Four years on from hoisting the World Cup trophy with Argentina, the 39-year-old continues to command the world's attention on football's grandest stage, stacking up fresh milestones with every passing appearance. In this episode of In Focus, the focus shifts to Messi's journey — from the Barcelona icon who dominated European football to the Argentina talisman who conquered the international game. The conversation covers his most recent World Cup record, the changes in his playing approach and leadership over the years, and how he has remained competitive at the highest level alongside Cristiano Ronaldo well into his late 30s. The episode also reflects on what young footballers in India can draw from Messi's career path, and takes stock of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

First half over. Argentina 1, Cabo Verde 0. Apart from the Messi goal, there was little to get excited about in the opening period. Argentina made repeated attempts to breach the Cabo Verde box, but the African side's defenders held their shape and turned them away each time. Cabo Verde were quite happy to sit deep and absorb pressure from the South Americans while keeping an eye out for chances to spring on the counter. There is still an entire second half to play, and any slip from Argentina could be punished — the Duarte brothers and Jovane Cabral are more than capable of inflicting damage when the chance comes on the break.

Sidny Cabral of Cabo Verde earns a free kick inside his own defensive half.

Lionel Messi of Argentina is penalised for a foul.

The fourth official has signalled four additional minutes of injury time to be played.

Enzo Fernández of Argentina sends a right-footed strike toward goal from outside the penalty box, but Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha gets down quickly to push the ball away from the bottom right corner.

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.

Lautaro Martínez of Argentina is called up for a foul.

Diney Borges of Cabo Verde is penalised for a foul.

Lionel Messi of Argentina wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Deroy Duarte of Cabo Verde is penalised for a foul.

Enzo Fernández of Argentina is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.

Argentina are flagged for offside, with Facundo Medina the player caught out of position.

Thiago Almada of Argentina is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.

Deroy Duarte of Cabo Verde is penalised for bringing down his opponent.

Argentina are flagged for offside once again, this time with Nahuel Molina caught in the linesman's sights.