‘We knew it would be a very difficult game’: Lionel Messi admits Cabo Verde pushed Argentina to the limit

Argentina’s Lionel Messi applauds the crowd after the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Cape Verde (AP Photo) Lionel Messi acknowledged a tough test from the Cabo Verde side after defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic scare to secure a 3-2 extra-time win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.The reigning champions were pushed all the way by the tournament debutants in a thrilling match in Florida before eventually cementing their place in the last 16. After the match, Messi admitted Argentina were expecting a tough night and praised Cabo Verde for their fearless display.“We knew it was going to be a very difficult match. Nobody gives you anything for free at the World Cup. Now it’s about resting, learning from today and focusing on the next match. I also congratulate Cape Verde for this great performance,” Messi told the media after the win.Messi also highlighted Argentina’s fighting spirit after the team saw off Cabo Verde twice during the enthralling encounter.“As this team has shown many times and as I have said many times, they compete,” Messi said in Spanish. “And we competed until the end.Argentina looked to be in control after Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his 20th career World Cup goal. The captain timed his run perfectly, latching on to a lofted pass from Lisandro Martinez before firing into the net to give La Albiceleste the lead.However, Cabo Verde refused to back down. Sidny Lopes Cabral restored parity in regulation before Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back in front early in extra time. The underdogs struck again through Deroy Duarte to make it 2-2, raising hopes of a famous upset.The decisive moment came in the 111th minute, when Diney Borges deflected Cristiano Romero’s header and converted it into an own goal, sealing Argentina’s progress to the round of 16, where they will face Egypt.Despite the defeat, Cabo Verde earned universal admiration for one of the best performances in recent World Cup history. Goalkeeper Vozinha made 10 saves, including five from Messi, as the tournament debutants again showed the resilience that saw them through an impressive group stage campaign.Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni also praised the African side after the final whistle.“I have to praise our opponents,” Scaloni said. “The truth is that when people say there is no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they are a great team.”Messi’s goal also boosted his bid for the Golden Boot. The Argentina captain now has seven goals at the tournament, one more than France’s Kylian Mbappé, while also extending his previous World Cup goalscoring record. The strike also marked his 12th goal during his record scoring streak of eight consecutive World Cup matches.