Messi on stage again: Argentina ahead

Argentina and Cape Verde met in the World Cup Round of 32. The first half of the contest, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, was completed with Argentina 1-0 ahead. In the match, played in knockout format with the loser exiting the tournament, the experienced side managed to go into the break in front.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute. In that minute, the team's star Lionel Messi found the net to put Argentina 1-0 up. Lisandro Martínez provided the assist for the goal. This goal by Messi once again showed that the experienced player is keeping up his effective performance in the tournament.

Argentina's superiority marked the first half as a whole. Clearly ahead of their opponents in possession and in creating chances, Argentina kept control of the game. Although Cape Verde put up an intense fight in defense, they struggled to prevent their opponents' superiority and went into the break a goal behind.

In the second half, a period is expected in which Argentina will want to keep their lead and extend it, while Cape Verde will look to apply pressure for an equalizer. The remainder of the contest, which in particular features Lionel Messi, will directly affect both teams' futures at the World Cup. The second half of the match will be one of the eagerly awaited moments of the tournament.

Source: ?
Image: Goal

First-half numbers: expected goals (xG) 0.41-0.04, possession 65%-35%, total shots 4-1, big chances 1-0, touches in the opponents' box 8-4.