![Argentina’s Cristian Romero scores their third goal [Marco Bello/Reuters]](https://angelnetworknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-04T003319Z_411921027_UP1EM7401JH13_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-ARG-CPV-1783125295.jpg "Argentina’s Cristian Romero scores their third goal [Marco Bello/Reuters]")
In an instant World Cup classic in Miami, Cape Verde went toe-to-toe with defending champions Argentina, twice equalizing before tragically bowing out 3-2 in extra time
Lionel Messi opened the scoring on his return, but Cape Verde twice fought back to level the match, including a stunning strike by Sidny Lopes Cabral widely praised as one of the tournament’s standout goals. Cristian Romero eventually headed home the winner from a Messi corner in extra time which was later recorded as an own goal.
The Cape Verde national football team—nicknamed the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks)—is currently enjoying the greatest era in its history, headlined by an extraordinary debut run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Representing a small island nation of just over 500,000 people, they became the smallest country to ever reach the tournament’s knockout stage.
Cape Verde shocked the global football community by emerging undefeated from Group H. They secured tactical stalemates against European champions Spain (0-0) and Saudi Arabia (0-0), alongside a thrilling 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Argentina will advance to face the winner of another tie as they pursue a third consecutive title.
