Lionel Scaloni admitted it would have been "crazy" for Argentina to lose his 100th match in charge after the Albiceleste survived a huge scare against Cape Verde. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to progress, with their manager praising his players' resilience after a gruelling clash.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Lionel Messi laughed off the physical treatment he received from Cape Verde after Argentina edged into the World Cup last 16. The Albiceleste captain joked that his opponents "kick the crap" out of him before asking for shirts and selfies, while also admitting his side fell below their usual standards.
Cristian Romero scored an extra-time winner, Lionel Messi grabbed a goal, but Argentina were given a real scare by Cape Verde in an uncomfortable 3-2 win to advance to the World Cup Round of 16. Argentina surrendered the lead twice, and needed extra time to finally gain daylight from a Cape Verde side that, in truth, deserved so much more.
The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.
Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.
Comprehensive match preview of Argentina vs Cabo Verde at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash in Miami.
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has paid a glowing tribute to the historic rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Bayern Munich icon believes the two superstars created a unique standard of consistency that world football will never witness again, as both legends continue their historic battle at the World Cup.
England icon John Barnes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude could derail Portugal in the World Cup knockout stages, describing the situation as an accident waiting to happen. In contrast, Barnes praised Lionel Messi, highlighting how the Argentina captain's humble nature unites his team-mates, unlike Ronaldo who creates tension when things do not go his way.
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.
Cape Verde have made football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages. Following a gritty group campaign, the Atlantic islanders have set up a dream round-of-32 showdown against Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, has been offered to Brazilian Serie B side Ceara following his stunning World Cup performances. The veteran shot-stopper caught global attention after making seven saves in a historic draw against Spain, but the South American club have reportedly declined the chance to secure his signature.
Cape Verde head coach Bubista has expressed his deep disappointment following a controversial incident during his side's 2-2 World Cup draw with Uruguay. Bubista hit out at a perceived lack of sportsmanship from Uruguay, citing Marcelo Bielsa's own reputation for fair play as an additional reason for his frustration.
Marcelo Bielsa did not hold back after seeing his Uruguay side held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Cape Verde, leaving their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. The veteran coach watched on as his team failed to bounce back from their opening matchday draw against Saudi Arabia, with Uruguay left needing a win in their final group game against Euro 2024 winners Spain.
The 2026 World Cup has produced its fair share of emotional storylines, but few resonate as strongly as the journey of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. After a heroic performance against Spain in a match that ended 0-0 and left him in tears over his family's absence, the 40-year-old veteran has received the news he was dreaming of.
Lamine Yamal has sent a defiant message to Spain supporters following their frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde in their 2026 World Cup opener. The Barcelona teenager made his anticipated return from a two-month injury layoff as a substitute, injecting crucial attacking rhythm into a side lacking creativity, and remains optimistic for the tournament.
Hollywood superstar Tom Holland has revealed that Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal possesses the perfect athletic traits to step into the role of Spider-Man. The Marvel lead made the comparison while visiting Madrid during the 2026 World Cup, where he has been following the progress of the Spanish national team.
Marcelo Bielsa has finally addressed his awkward World Cup photoshoot, firmly stating he has no obligation to act like a model. The Uruguay head coach went viral after staring at the ground during his official FIFA media duties. Following a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, the veteran manager brushed off the widespread attention as an absolute non-issue.
Cape Verde manager Bubista defended his side's deep-lying approach after they held Spain to a surprise draw at the World Cup. While La Roja dominated possession, the coach argued his team controlled the game through organisation, discipline and defensive structure, earning a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.
Cabo Verde
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