Lionel Messi will captain Argentina against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium, giving Miami supporters a rare chance to see their adopted hero represent his country on home soil.
The Blue Sharks became the smallest nation ever to contest a World Cup knockout match, pushing defending champions Argentina to the limit before a 3-2 defeat in Miami.
Cristian Vieri believes France and Argentina are the teams to beat at the 2026 World Cup. The former Italy striker claims only Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sandro Tonali could force their way into Didier Deschamps’ starting eleven.
Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral says the island nation will not be overawed by Lionel Messi when they face Argentina, having already defied predictions to reach the World Cup knockout phase unbeaten.
Fabio Capello has praised Lautaro Martinez for adapting his game to support Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, describing the Inter striker as playing “more of a Robin than a Batman.”
Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on June 28, 2026, to win Group J with a perfect nine points. Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his seventh consecutive World Cup goal, reaching 19 tournament goals total, while Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez scored earlier. Mousa Al-Tamari netted for already-eliminated Jordan. Argentina advance to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
France and Argentina head into the last 16 as leading contenders, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi delivering headline performances during a group phase that saw Mexico achieve perfection.
Lionel Messi scored his 19th World Cup goal from the bench as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect Group J campaign and set up a Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde.
The Blue Sharks become the smallest nation by population to reach the last 32 after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, booking a meeting with the reigning champions in Miami.