MIAMI — Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains football's biggest difference-maker, scoring a historic goal as Argentina survived a major scare to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time on Friday and secure a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning world champions were pushed to their limits by the tournament debutants in a gripping encounter at Hard Rock Stadium, where Cristian Romero's extra-time header ultimately spared Lionel Scaloni's side from one of the biggest upsets of the competition.

Despite advancing, Argentina's performance reinforced a familiar narrative: the defending champions continue to depend heavily on their captain when the pressure reaches its highest level.

Argentina controlled possession from the opening whistle and deservedly took the lead in the 29th minute when Messi finished calmly after a flowing attacking move. The strike was another milestone in the legendary forward's remarkable World Cup career.

With the goal, Messi reached 20 goals in FIFA World Cup history, extending his advantage over France's Kylian Mbappé, who has 18. The captain also strengthened another extraordinary record by scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches, underlining his consistency on football's biggest stage.

Argentina appeared comfortable heading into halftime but failed to capitalize on several clear opportunities. Enzo Fernández came close, while Messi repeatedly tested Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose impressive saves kept his side firmly in the contest.

Cape Verde emerged from the break with renewed confidence and stunned the favorites in the 58th minute. Deroy Duarte squeezed a low finish from a tight angle beyond Emiliano Martínez to score the nation's first-ever knockout-stage World Cup goal, sending its supporters into celebration and forcing the match into extra time.

The equalizer exposed Argentina's growing frustrations. Scaloni's team struggled to create space against a disciplined and physically committed Cape Verde defense, while the African side continued to threaten on the counterattack.

Extra time delivered even more drama.

Cristian Romero restored Argentina's advantage with a powerful header before Sidny Lopes Cabral produced what could become one of the goals of the tournament, unleashing a spectacular strike that leveled the score once again. However, Argentina responded immediately as Lisandro Martínez found the decisive goal that sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory and ended Cape Verde's dream run.

The closing stages also featured controversy. Argentina appealed for a handball by Roberto Lopes following an Alexis Mac Allister header inside the penalty area, but Canadian referee Drew Fischer waved play on, and the Video Assistant Referee chose not to recommend an on-field review.

Argentina also suffered an injury concern when Facundo Medina was forced off late in the match after appearing to aggravate a physical issue, with Nicolás Tagliafico replacing him as Argentina pushed relentlessly for the winner.

The victory sends Argentina into the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta after the Pharaohs eliminated Australia in a penalty shootout.

For Cape Verde, elimination marks the end of a memorable first World Cup campaign. Although their historic journey came to an end, they leave the tournament having earned worldwide admiration after pushing the defending champions to the brink in one of the competition's most entertaining matches.

For Argentina, qualification was the objective, but the performance leaves important questions ahead. Messi once again delivered when his country needed him most, yet as the knockout rounds continue, Scaloni will hope the supporting cast can shoulder more responsibility if the Albiceleste are to successfully defend their world title.