#广场预测世界杯赢40000U Argentina won the match—Cape Verde won the world

On July 4, 2026, Beijing time, the USA–Canada–Mexico World Cup reached its final day of the Round of 16. After extra time, Argentina edged out Cape Verde 3-2 to advance to the Round of 16.

The biggest dark-horse challenge to the defending champions—this was one of the most talked-about matchups among the 16 games in this stage. Thanks to stubborn defense, Cape Verde, making its first World Cup appearance, earned three draws in the group stage, including consecutive draws against two former World Cup champions, Spain and Uruguay. They ultimately advanced as runners-up in Group H. Argentina finished first in Group J with three straight wins, with Messi—in excellent form—scoring 6 goals in the group stage. Cape Verde’s head coach Bubísta described this clash as “the most important match in the team’s history,” saying, “We will take it with the utmost seriousness, and we also have our own dreams.” Argentina’s head coach Scaloni emphasized that Cape Verde’s progression into the knockout stage was “by no means accidental,” saying he believes the team has a tight defense and outstanding counterattacks, making them a difficult opponent.

The match unfolded just as he said—Argentina played extremely hard. In the 29th minute, Lisandro Martínez provided an assist, and Messi’s perfectly timed touch helped him break the deadlock with ease. In his 30th World Cup appearance, Messi scored his personal 20th goal, and both figures were the tournament highs. However, in the 59th minute, Ryan Mendes assisted Duarte, and Duarte’s long-range shot brought Cape Verde level. After that, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding, making several crucial saves to neutralize multiple dangerous moments. At the end of 90 minutes, Cape Verde earned another draw. In the 92nd minute, Lisandro Martínez fired home from a tight angle to put Argentina back ahead again. In the 102nd minute, Lopes Cabral’s curling long-range strike helped Cape Verde draw level once more.

In the second half of extra time, a corner kick taken by Messi led to an own goal by the opposition. With that goal, Argentina ultimately overcame the opponent and continued their title defense. According to the schedule, Argentina will face Egypt in the Round of 16.