Messi on target as Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach last 16

Defending champions Argentina needed extra time and a late own goal to overcome spirited World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 and secure a place in the last 16.

Cape Verde twice fought back from behind and came close to forcing a penalty shootout before Diney Borges accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, ending the underdogs’ remarkable run.

Argentina will now continue the defence of their World Cup title after surviving one of the toughest tests of the tournament.

Cape Verde refuse to surrender

Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Lionel Messi, who produced another moment of quality to register his 20th World Cup goal.

The captain controlled a long pass brilliantly before firing beyond goalkeeper Vozinha to hand the holders the advantage.

Cape Verde, ranked 64th in the world, refused to be intimidated and found an equaliser in the second half.

Deroy Duarte timed his run into the penalty area perfectly before driving a finish through Lisandro Martinez’s legs and past Emiliano Martinez from a narrow angle.

The goal sparked celebrations among Cape Verde supporters as their side continued to match one of the tournament favourites.

Late drama seals Argentina victory

Argentina regained the lead two minutes into extra time when defender Lisandro Martinez reacted quickest to Alexis Mac Allister’s flick from a corner and finished powerfully into the net.

However, Cape Verde responded once again through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who produced one of the standout goals of the tournament.

The forward cut inside from the left before curling a superb strike beyond Emiliano Martinez and into the top corner to level the match at 2-2.

Cabral almost completed an extraordinary comeback moments later, but the Argentina goalkeeper produced a crucial save to deny him.

With penalties appearing increasingly likely, Argentina found the decisive breakthrough in the 111th minute.

A dangerous attack into the Cape Verde penalty area ended with defender Diney Borges diverting the ball into his own net under pressure, giving the defending champions a narrow victory.

Although their World Cup journey ended in defeat, Cape Verde have earned admiration after pushing one of football’s biggest nations to the limit in their first appearance in the knockout stage of the tournament.