Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time during the World Cup round of 32, with Lionel Messi scoring to set multiple tournament records. According to reports from VG and NRK, the match saw the reigning world champions narrowly escape an upset against the World Cup debutants from the African island nation.
How did Lionel Messi break World Cup records?
Lionel Messi, 39, became the first player in World Cup history to achieve several milestones during the match against Cape Verde. According to tournament data cited by VG, Messi is the first player to surpass 20 career World Cup goals and appear in 30 matches.
Messi also became the first player to score seven goals in two different World Cups, repeating his tally from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He has now scored in eight consecutive matches, a streak that began in the round of 16 four years ago. He is currently the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals.
What happened in the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match?
The match remained tense through 90 minutes of regulation. Messi opened the scoring approximately 30 minutes in, converting a ball lifted into space by defender Lisandro Martínez. NRK expert commentator Carl-Erik Torp described the finish as “perfect,” noting the difficulty of the chance.
Cape Verde equalized in the second half when Ryan Mendes assisted Deroy Duarte, who scored his first ever international goal. The match then moved into extra time, where Lisandro Martínez scored to put Argentina ahead 2-1. However, Sidny Lopes Cabral equalized for Cape Verde with a curling shot into the top corner, which Torp called “the World Cup’s most beautiful goal.”
The deadlock finally broke ten minutes before the end of extra time. Cristian Romero headed in a goal from a Messi corner to secure the 3-2 victory for Argentina.
Who is the “Instagram star” goalkeeper Vozinha?
Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha, played a critical role in pushing the world champions to extra time. According to VG, Vozinha has gained significant social media fame, amassing 18 million Instagram followers after a clean sheet against Spain in his World Cup debut.
How did experts react to the upset attempt?
The performance by the African island nation drew praise from international analysts. Ian Wright of ITV stated that what Cape Verde achieved was “not to be believed,” while Gary Neville of ITV argued that the team deserved to reach a penalty shootout based on their tournament performance.
Petter Veland, a football expert for NRK, characterized the match as one of the greatest potential shocks in World Cup history as the debutants pushed the reigning champions to the brink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lionel Messi’s new World Cup records?
Messi is the first player to score 20+ goals, play 30+ matches, and score seven goals in two separate World Cups.
Who scored for Cape Verde?
Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral both scored during the match.
What was the final score?
Argentina won 3-2 after extra time.
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