Argentina take on Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup tonight, with the holders looking to take another step towards defending the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Messi and co. look in fine form as they continue their bid to win back-to-back World Cups, with the Albiceleste’s talisman having scored six goals in just three games to begin his 2026 campaign.
As for Cape Verde, Bubista’s side have exceeded all expectations in finishing second in Group H and securing a spot in the last 32, and they can make life difficult for the best teams, as shown with their draw to Spain in their opening game.
The winner of this tie will face either Australia or Egypt in the last 16 in Atlanta on Tuesday, 7 July.
Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
56’ – Vozinha launches clear when being pressed by Messi. Yes, that is correct.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
53’ – And Martinez is called into action! Deroy Duarte arrives on the edge of the box to shoot but Aston Villa’s goalkeeper makes a routine save.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde.
48’ – Cabral wins a corner off Molina. This is Cape Verde’s only real route to levelling. Lopes Cabral takes it. Argentina half clear to Cabral and his shot is deflected out for another which Lopes Cabral delivers again. And this time Argentina clear properly with Cabral and Borges colliding when trying to meet the cross.
Half-time! Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
49’ – Four more minutes pass by without absolutely nothing happening.
One bit of Messi brilliance is the different at the interval.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
45’ – Fernandez strikes firmly goalwards from the edge of the box. Vozinha parries it away.
Argentina 1-0 Cape Verde
42’ – Just another bit of Messi magic while the game slithers along at a snail’s pace.
