Argentina set World Cup record with victory over Cape Verde

Argentina overcame a spirited Cape Verde in the round of 32 by beating them 3-2 after extra time, and in doing so, they achieved a World Cup record.

The current World Cup champions opened the scoring in the first half through Lionel Messi, as he managed to equal a 64-year record.

While he also became the first player to score seven goals at two different tournaments, as he achieved this at the 2022 World Cup before this iteration of the competition.

Deroy Duarte shocked Argentina as he equalised just before the hour mark to make it 1-1, and following this goal, Cape Verde would battle hard to take the game to added time.

Lisandro Martinez scored two minutes into added time before the African nation were able to draw level again through Sidny Cabral in the 103rd minute.

Argentina secured their progression to the round of 16 as Diney Borges turned the ball into his own net from a Messi corner in the 111th minute.

Julian Alvaraz

As the three-time world champions overcame Cape Verde, they set a World Cup record, as no team has participated in more extra times at the competition.

Argentina have now been involved in 12 fixtures in the World Cup that have gone to extra time, moving them one clear of both Germany and Italy, according to Opta stats.

This victory over Cape Verde is Argentina’s eighth consecutive win over an African nation since losing their first ever such game against Cameroon in 1990.

The World Cup champions will continue to defend their title and will now face Egypt in the round of 16 at the tournament after they beat Australia earlier in the day, with the Pharaohs progressing after a victory by penalties.

While Cape Verde have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, the nation can be full of pride as they emerged from the group stage unbeaten by securing draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.