WC26: Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare In Instant Classic

An own goal in the 111th minute sent Argentina past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time Friday, as the reigning champions required the full 120 minutes to dispatch the tournament's Cinderella side in South Florida. Argentina held a 2.16 to 0.45 edge in expected goals. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal, per ESPN. Lisandro Martinez put Argentina ahead 2-1 in the 103rd minute before Cristian Romero's header deflected off Cape Verde's Diney Borges for the decisive goal. Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte each converted equalizers for Cape Verde, repeatedly silencing a pro-Argentina crowd. Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, finished with 10 saves including five against Messi and was central to Cape Verde's run as the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Messi now leads the tournament's Golden Boot race with seven goals, one clear of France's Kylian Mbappe, and has scored in eight straight World Cup matches for 12 goals during that run. "We already knew this was going to be a very difficult match," said Messi. "It wasn't a coincidence that this team didn't lose to Spain or Uruguay. "These are knockout matches, nobody gives you anything for free." On Cape Verde's challenge, Messi was candid. "Some people might underestimate certain teams... but we knew this was never going to be an easy match," said Messi. "That's what makes this World Cup so special. Everything is incredibly close, and every single game is extremely difficult." Argentina face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.