Messi's Argentina into last 16: past Cape Verde

Argentina and Cape Verde produced a breathtaking contest in the World Cup Round of 32. Argentina won the match, which went to extra time and was played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, 3-2. The experienced side managed to advance to the last 16 after this hard-fought contest.

The only goal of the first half came in the 29th minute. In that minute, Lionel Messi found the net with an assist from Lisandro Martínez to put Argentina 1-0 up. But Cape Verde did not give up; in the second half, in the 59th minute, Duarte D. made the score 1-1 with an assist from Mendes and brought the contest back to balance.

The match, which ended 1-1 in normal time, went to extra time. Right at the start of extra time, in the 92nd minute, Lautaro Martínez, with an assist from Mac Allister, put Argentina ahead again. Cape Verde, though, once more found parity in the 103rd minute through Lopes Cabral's goal (assisted by Semedo) to make it 2-2 and signal a big surprise.

The goal that decided the tie came in the 111th minute. In that minute, an unfortunate own goal by Borges put Argentina 3-2 up, and they held that score to the end to win the match. Thus Argentina, at the top of the FIFA ranking, advanced to the last 16 after a tight match in which Lionel Messi also contributed. Superior for most of the game, Argentina were also clearly ahead of their opponents in creating chances. Cape Verde, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament despite their strong effort.

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Match by the numbers: expected goals (xG) 2.16-0.46, possession 63%-37%, total shots 22-16, big chances 3-0, touches in the opponents' box 51-16.