Lionel Messi and Argentina are through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 after narrowly avoiding a historic upset against Cape Verde in the round of 32 at Miami Stadium on Friday, breaking through with a 111th minute extra-time goal. Messi put the reigning champion ahead with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal in the 29th minute. Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte scored a stunning equalizer in the 59th minute, and goalkeeper Vozinha held Argentina scoreless to force extra time. Argentina opened extra time with a goal from Lisandro Martínez, who assisted on Messi's opener, but Cape Verde responded moments later on a beautiful goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral, who ran into the stands to celebrate with the Cape Verde supporters. In the end, the reigning champions pulled through with a goal from Cristian Romero in the 111th minute. Argentina will now play Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7 at Atlanta Stadium.
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