Messi returns to Miami with Argentina for World Cup knockout clash
Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in a World Cup last-32 tie, marking a special homecoming for the Inter Miami captain in his adopted city.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde to face Argentina in historic World Cup knockout debut
Cape Verde will become the smallest nation ever to contest a World Cup knockout match when they face Argentina on Friday. The Blue Sharks advanced after defying expectations in the group stage.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde Analysis: Messi’s Gravity, Late Set Pieces and Scaloni’s Extra-Time Warning
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout fixture. Lionel Messi’s off-ball gravitational pull created decisive attacking space despite intense marking, while Lionel Scaloni’s pre-match warnings about extra-time fatigue proved prophetic as set-piece execution broke Cape Verde’s resistance in the additional period.
Nine African teams reach World Cup knockouts but only two advance to last 16
Ninety per cent of Africa’s representatives progressed from the group stage, yet narrow defeats prevented a historic haul of three teams in the last 16.
Messi reaches 20 World Cup goals as Argentina outlast Cape Verde in extra-time thriller
Defending champions Argentina defeated World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to set up a Round of 16 clash with Egypt in Atlanta.
Cape Verde exit World Cup after heroic 3-2 thriller against Argentina
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.
Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde: Defending champions survive major World Cup scare in extra-time thriller
Argentina narrowly avoided a historic upset, defeating a heroic Cape Verde side 3-2 in extra time to advance to the World Cup Round of 16.
Lopes Cabral: From 1% odds to facing Messi with Cape Verde
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.
Cape Verde seal historic World Cup knockout spot to set up Argentina clash
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.
Dembélé hat-trick drives France as Cape Verde make World Cup history
France maintained their perfect World Cup record with a 4-1 win over Norway thanks to an Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick, while Cape Verde reached the knockouts at their first tournament.