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Argentina v Cabo Verde: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

'They kick the crap out of me!' - Messi jokes about rough Cape Verde treatment

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.

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While Argentina enters the match as heavy favorites with an unblemished group stage run, tournament debutants Cabo Verde are counting on their defensive resilience, having already frustrated the likes of Spain and Uruguay.

Romero to the rescue as Messi's Argentina suffer massive scare

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.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Al-Seeb	26	21	4	1	59	14	45	67	W D W W W
2	Al-Shabab	26	17	3	6	51	27	24	54	W D L L W
3	Al-Nasr Salalah	26	16	5	5	35	20	15	53	W D W L L
4	Al-Nahda	26	13	5	8	31	23	8	44	L L L W W
5	Bahla	26	12	4	10	39	32	7	40	W W L D D

'They kick the crap out of me!' - Messi jokes about rough Cape Verde treatment

Watch Argentina vs Cabo Verde live: Online streams and TV channels

Romero to the rescue as Messi's Argentina suffer massive scare

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