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Scaloni reacts to Argentina narrowly avoiding biggest upset of all-time

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.

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.

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves onto seven

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

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.

'We've already won' - Cape Verde embrace World Cup dream

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.

Jordan v Argentina: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

Scaloni addresses Messi reliance ahead of Cape Verde tie

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.

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Pos	Équipe	P	V	N	D	BP	A	+/-	Pts	Forme
1	Orlando Pirates	30	21	6	3	58	12	46	69	V N V V N
2	Mamelodi Sundowns FC	30	20	8	2	57	21	36	68	D V N V V
3	Kaizer Chiefs	30	15	9	6	33	19	14	54	D V V N D
4	AmaZulu FC	30	13	8	9	32	28	4	47	V D N N V
5	Sekhukhune United	30	11	11	8	32	27	5	44	N N D V N

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