Lionel Messi highlights 'bad things' for Argentina to fix after 'difficult' extra-time win over Cabo Verde in last 32 of 2026 World Cup

Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the limit by debutants Cabo Verde, needing an own goal in extra-time to finally secure a 3-2 win.

Messi opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the tournament, but the minnows hit back to force extra-time.

Lisandro Martinez gave Argentina a 2-1 lead, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to score one of the great World Cup goals to level.

Eventually, an own goal from a corner secured victory for Argentina as they scraped into the last 16.

”We already knew this was going to be a very difficult match,” said Messi, who is now the outright leader in the Golden Boot race ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappe.

”It was no coincidence that this team [Cabo Verde] didn’t lose to either Spain or Uruguay [in the group stage].

”Scoring the first goal was the hardest part, and we thought it would help us control the match and play with more composure, but exactly the opposite happened. We lost possession at times, dropped back a little too far, and couldn’t press them as we wanted to. They capitalised on their strengths and found the equaliser.

”The important thing now is to rest, think about what’s coming up, and take the positives from it. I think there are positives because we did some good things, and we also need to correct the bad things, which I think there were many of today.”

Messi had chances to score again for Argentina in the second half but was denied by Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

The 40-year-old blocked a one-on-one chance and then dived to tip away a free-kick from Messi, before saving another free-kick late on.

”These are knockout matches; nobody gives you anything for free,” added Messi.

”Some people might underestimate certain teams because of their names, but we knew this was never going to be an easy match. That’s what makes this World Cup so special. Everything is incredibly tight, and every match is extremely difficult.”

Next up for Argentina is a last-16 meeting with Egypt, who edged past Australia on penalties.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his players were ”absolutely knackered” at the end of the win against Cabo Verde.

"There are areas for improvement, but they've shown resilience. The players are tired ​because of extra-time – too many minutes – and some cramps. But when they play with their ​hearts, they can overcome anything.

"The team showed their character and their worth today.

"That was for those ‌who said we had an easy run in the draw. Sure, we deserved to win and go through, but it was an extremely difficult match.”

Scaloni added: ”I just wanted the match to be over. You saw ‌the ⁠stunning goal they scored. I'm always wary. 

"Everyone thought it would be a walk in the park, but we knew it wouldn't be."

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