Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE: Lionel Messi opens the scoring for Argentina

Cape Verde tries to respond as Lopes Cabral swings a cross towards the far post from the left flank, but he overhits the delivery, and it sails harmlessly out for an Argentina goal kick.

A superb long ball from Lisandro Martínez catches the Cape Verde defence off guard. Messi times his run perfectly, controls the ball brilliantly inside the box, keeps his composure, and calmly slots it past the goalkeeper to give Argentina the lead in spectacular fashion.

Cape Verde are beginning to find space on the counter and have enjoyed a few promising attacks, but they have yet to create a clear-cut chance. Argentina, meanwhile, continue to dominate possession and patiently build from the back, with Messi being closely marked whenever he gets on the ball.

A long ball picks out Nahuel Molina on the right, and he cleverly squares it towards Lionel Messi inside the box. But Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha reacts quickly, rushing off his line to smother the ball before Messi can get a meaningful touch.

Lionel Messi wins a free-kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled by Jovane Cabral. The Argentina captain steps up, but his effort lacks power and is comfortably collected by the Cape Verde goalkeeper without any real trouble.

A slick Argentina move ends with the ball falling to Lionel Messi inside the box. The captain tries his luck from a difficult angle, but his effort flashes wide without seriously troubling the Cape Verde goalkeeper.

Argentina are comfortably controlling possession as they probe for an opening. Cape Verde remain compact, looking to soak up pressure before launching quick counter-attacks with long balls into the wide areas.

Cape Verde threaten on the counter as skipper Ryan Mendes bursts down the right before cutting inside and firing at goal. His effort takes a slight deflection off Cristian Romero, making it a comfortable save for Emiliano Martinez, who gathers cleanly.

Cape Verde win a free-kick in a dangerous area and deliver it into the box, but Cristian Romero rises to clear the danger. The ball goes out for a throw-in, and Argentina successfully deal with the early threat.

Argentina have settled quickly, dominating possession. The defending champions are moving the ball sharply, while Cape Verde are struggling to keep hold of possession in the opening exchanges.

We're underway in Miami! Argentina and Cape Verde have kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash.

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has made five changes to the side that secured qualification with a draw against Saudi Arabia. Sidny Lopes Cabral and Steven Moreira come in at full-back, while Laros Duarte returns to midfield alongside his brother Deroy Duarte. Further forward, Jovane Cabral starts on the wing, with Nuno da Costa replacing Dailon Livramento in attack for the Round of 32 clash against Argentina.

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Steven Moreira, Ryan Mendes (C), Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina, Nuno da Costa.

Egypt are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after edging Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Egypt converted all four of their spot-kicks, with Mohamed Salah confidently chipping home a Panenka, to seal progression. The Pharaohs will now face the winner of Argentina vs Cape Verde in the Round of 16.

Opta's supercomputer heavily favours Argentina ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, giving the defending champions an 84.1% chance of victory. Cape Verde have just a 4.8% chance of pulling off a major upset, while the probability of the match ending level after 90 minutes stands at 11.1%.

Lionel Messi becomes the first player ever to make 30 appearances at the World Cup. 

Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovane ‌Cabral, ‌Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Ryan Mendes (captain), Nuno da Costa.

Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, ⁠Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi (captain), Thiago Almada, Lautaro ‌Martinez.