Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde: FIFA World Cup 2026 – as it happened

That’s it for our live coverage of this World Cup knockout tie in Miami.

The Al Jazeera Sport site will bring you all the fallout from a brilliant knockout tie, as Argentina move into the last 16 and debutants Cape Verde head home.

But for now, from me, Adam Hancock and my colleague Kevin Hand, goodbye!

Another day, another Argentina game, another Messi goal.

The 39-year-old is now back at the top of the Golden Boot table after scoring in his eighth consecutive World Cup match.

He was tied with Kylian Mbappe on seven goals heading into this game, but now stands alone at the top of the leaderboard.

The defending champions were tested to their limits this evening, but still found a way to win when it really mattered.

Messi was the catalyst once again, with his opening goal putting him back at the top of the Golden Boot table.

But it was two defenders who saved the day, with Lisandro Martinez and Romero popping up with crucial goals to put Argentina on top after Cape Verde had pegged them back.

Tournament football isn’t always about being the best side – sometimes you just have to find a way to win – and Argentina certainly know how to do that.

Click here to read our full match report following Argentina’s win.

The Cape Verde players are distraught. They battled so well against the defending champions and produced some sensational moments.

Lopes Cabral is particularly upset. His goal is one of the top moments of this tournament.

Cape Verde may be heading home, but they can return with their heads held high. A quite remarkable debut World Cup for them.

Argentina are through after an almighty battle against Cape Verde.

An unbelievable game brings to an end an incredible World Cup adventure for the African debutants.

Full-time: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Match ends, Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2.

It is end to end stuff in Miami now.

Cape Verde are throwing everything forward and leaving gaps at the back for counterattacks.

120+2 mins: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Martinez does really well to throw himself at the ball and stop Paulo from poking the ball home.

Really brave goalkeeping from the Argentinian.

Cape Verde continue to press as the clock ticks down.

120+1 mins: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Lopes Cabral strikes a free kick from a similar area where his goal came from.

His effort is more central this time, but Martinez is still required to make a one-handed save to palm the ball away.

117 mins: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Gonzalo Montiel (Argentina) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

Argentina are back in front as Romero heads home from a Messi corner.

The ball took a deflection off Borges’ hand, with Vozinha frozen on his line.

Cape Verde need another miracle moment.

114 mins: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Messi the provider, Romero the finisher!

111 mins: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde

Own Goal by Diney Borges, Cabo Verde. Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2.

Messi lofts the ball into the box from the right, but Cape Verde scramble the ball away.

The debutants then break and the move ends with Semedo smashing a long-range effort wide.

109 mins: Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde

This game has been remarkable. The final 15 minutes could be historic.

Buckle in.

106 mins: Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde

Second Half Extra Time begins Argentina 2, Cabo Verde 2.

That equaliser is the sort of goal that gets better each time you see a new angle of it.

The celebrations are also fantastic as Lopes Cabral jumps into the stands and celebrates with friends and family.

Time for a breather.

Half-time in extra time: Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde

That is easily one of the best goals of this tournament.

The ball is worked back to Lopes Cabral on the left edge of the box. He cuts inside before curling a sensational effort into the top corner past Martinez.

Cape Verde will not lie down.

106 mins: Argentina 2-2 Cape Verde

Substitution, Argentina. Gonzalo Montiel replaces Nahuel Molina.