Argentina Edges Cape Verde 3-2 in World Cup Round of 16; Messi Scores 20th Goal
Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal and was named man of the match, but acknowledged Cape Verde’s prior draws with Spain and Uruguay were no fluke. Coach Scaloni denied a favorable draw, praising his team’s resilience despite defensive lapses and set-piece struggles. Defender Tagliafico noted the tournament’s low-transition style and praised fan support in Miami. Argentina will face Egypt next.
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2026 World Cup: Scaloni Reassures on Messi's Condition After 120-Minute Match
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has downplayed concerns over Lionel Messi's fitness after the 39-year-old played the full 120 minutes in a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup round of 32. Scaloni stated Messi reported no issues and would play regardless. Scaloni acknowledged the tournament has been 'complicated' for favorites, citing travel, heat, and pitch conditions as factors lowering the overall level. He noted that no team has maintained pre-tournament form, but defended Argentina's performance, saying four wins are satisfactory. Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday at 6pm French time. The article also lists related top stories including Mbappé's response to racist attacks and the Balogun affair involving Donald Trump and FIFA President Infantino.
Home Football - actualitésArgentina Coach Lionel Scaloni Sharply Criticizes FIFA Over Packed World Cup Schedule
Argentina advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde. Despite the win, head coach Lionel Scaloni sharply criticized FIFA for the tournament's scheduling, citing only three days of recovery before the next match against Egypt. Scaloni expressed frustration that recovery time decreased from six days to three and a half just when players needed it most. The team's preparation was further hampered by a severe storm in Miami that forced cancellation of a training session. Key players Facundo Medina and Enzo Fernández suffered severe cramps, while Nico González sustained an ankle sprain during extra time. Scaloni downplayed concerns but acknowledged the immense physical strain on his squad. Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
BILD - SportArgentina's physical struggles exposed in narrow World Cup win over Cape Verde
Defending World Cup champion Argentina barely advanced past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time during the round of 16, raising serious concerns about the team's physical condition and tactical cohesion. Coach Lionel Scaloni cited heat, humidity, and a strange pitch as factors, while captain Lionel Messi admitted the team struggled to press effectively and allowed Cape Verde to dictate the pace despite less possession. Several key players are returning from injury, and three finished the match diminished. Scaloni criticized the tournament schedule, noting Argentina had six days before the match but only three and a half for recovery. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Messi performed well, but the overall display was far below championship standards, with athletic limitations in generating intensity and pressing collectively.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuWright: Argentina's Wing Defense Has Huge Gaps, They Can Be Beaten
In a World Cup knockout match, Argentina narrowly defeated Cape Verde 3-2. After the game, analyst Wright told ITV1 that Cape Verde proved Argentina is not invincible. He acknowledged Argentina's strength, resilience, and having the world's best player, but stated he saw clear vulnerabilities. Wright highlighted that Argentina's wing defense has huge gaps, which opponents can exploit by attacking the flanks. He also criticized defender Romero, saying he was lucky to avoid an early yellow card and stay on the field to score a header. Wright concluded that any team with fighting spirit and stronger attacking ability in the final third can defeat Argentina.
虎扑 - 足球Argentina Defender Romero: We Must Respect Cape Verde After Hard-Fought Win
After Argentina's narrow 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 16, starting center-back Cristian Romero gave a post-match interview. He admitted the team did not play their best, with periods of good and poor performance. Romero acknowledged that while winning 3-0 would be ideal, it was crucial to give full respect to Cape Verde, who pushed them to extra time. He defended the team's character and resilience, stating they showed a strong heart to overcome difficulties. Romero also stressed that the team ignores external criticism and must analyze their mistakes to continue improving. The article, sourced from ESPN and published on Hupu, captures his defiant yet respectful tone regarding both his team's performance and the opponent's quality.
虎扑 - 足球Messi: Set Pieces Are Very Important in the World Cup; We Have Invested a Lot of Time in This Aspect
After Argentina's 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde to advance to the World Cup Round of 16, captain Lionel Messi gave a FIFA interview. He acknowledged the opponent's toughness, noting they previously held Spain and Uruguay. Messi explained that after taking the lead, Argentina lost control by dropping too deep and failing to press effectively, allowing Cape Verde to exploit gaps. He emphasized the decisive role of set pieces, revealing the team has invested significant time practicing them offensively and defensively. Messi highlighted aerial threats from players like Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nico Gonzalez, and Mac Allister. He also analyzed tactical difficulties: poor pressing coordination led to line gaps and numerical disadvantage in midfield, enabling Cape Verde to dominate possession. Despite the struggle, Messi stressed positives from advancing and the need to correct mistakes.
虎扑 - 足球Martinez: All Credit Goes to Cape Verde; Their Second Goal Was a World-Class Strike
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez spoke to the press after a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 16. He praised Cape Verde for matching Argentina evenly and credited their second goal as a world-class strike. Martinez also offered honest self-criticism, analyzing his positioning on the first goal and noting it went through defender Lisandro's legs. With characteristic humor, he deflected praise for his own crucial save, focusing instead on the opponent's quality. Addressing concerns about Argentina's difficult path, Martinez remained calm, comparing their struggle to their 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign, where they faced even greater hardships. He stressed that advancing was the only thing that mattered, regardless of the process.
虎扑 - 足球Julián Álvarez: Fully Recovered, Argentina's Goal Is to Reach the World Cup Final
After Argentina's hard-fought extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 16, forward Julián Álvarez spoke to the media. He praised Cape Verde's resilient performance, stating they made the match very difficult and deserve applause. Álvarez confirmed he is fully recovered and back to 100% physical condition. Regarding the next opponent, Egypt, he said the team has already begun preparations by watching their games and will analyze them systematically. He denied any concern within the team about consecutive tough matches but emphasized the ruthless nature of the World Cup, where every opponent imposes physical and confrontational pressure. Álvarez stated the team approaches each game with responsibility and humility, with the ultimate goal of reaching the final.
虎扑 - 足球Paredes: Egypt and we both played 120 minutes; we will be in the best shape for the next match
Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes spoke to the media after Argentina's hard-fought extra-time victory over Cape Verde, which secured their place in the quarterfinals. Paredes, who came off the bench to stabilize the midfield, praised the team's resilience and fighting spirit, noting that even when not playing well, they give their maximum effort. He acknowledged difficulties in creating chances and executing final passes and shots during the match. Paredes expressed deep gratitude to the passionate fans who turned Miami into a home ground for Argentina. Looking ahead to the Round of 16 opponent Egypt, he noted that Egypt also played 120 minutes, so fatigue levels are similar, and emphasized that Argentina has the conditions to prepare well for what he expects to be an equally or even more difficult match.
虎扑 - 足球Tagliafico: This World Cup Has Fewer Transitions, We Must Break Down Tight Defenses
After Argentina's hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde to advance to the round of 16, defender Nicolás Tagliafico spoke in the mixed zone. He noted that this World Cup is characterized by fewer transitions, with teams dropping into compact defenses when attacks are blocked, requiring creative solutions to break through. Tagliafico emphasized that no opponent gives anything for free and that Argentina must adapt. He praised the team's adaptability and the fans' support, which made Miami feel like a home game. Tagliafico highlighted the psychological importance of winning even when the game plan does not fully come together, calling it decisive in a World Cup. He also looked ahead to the next match against Egypt, another tough African team.
虎扑 - 足球Messi: Cape Verde's Draws with Spain and Uruguay No Coincidence; Knockout Stage Offers No Free Wins
In a post-match interview following Argentina's World Cup knockout stage match against Cape Verde, Lionel Messi emphasized the difficulty of the game, stating that Cape Verde's previous draws with Spain and Uruguay were no coincidence. He noted that in the knockout stages, no team will hand you a victory, and warned against underestimating opponents based on reputation. Messi acknowledged that all teams in this World Cup are closely matched, making every match extremely tough. He also admitted that Argentina made several mistakes during the game that need to be corrected. The interview was published on Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports community platform.
虎扑 - 足球Scaloni Denies Emotion on Winner, Stresses Need for Game to End Quickly After Argentina's Narrow Win
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference after his team's 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 16. He directly refuted claims that Argentina had a favorable draw, stating that there are no easy opponents in the World Cup and praising his team's tenacity in attacking despite repeated setbacks. Scaloni explained that his reaction to the winning goal was not excitement but a desire for the game to end, citing worry after conceding a stunning equalizer. He addressed questions about the team's performance, pitch conditions, physical exhaustion, and the burden of being favorites. Scaloni emphasized the team's character and resilience, noting that while execution can be debated, the team never shied away from responsibility. He also praised Lisandro Martínez and Lionel Messi's performances, and highlighted the importance of set-piece goals and defensive grit in extra time.
虎扑 - 足球Scaloni admits Argentina 'suffered too much' in 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde in World Cup round of 32
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his team 'suffered too much' to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time during the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, held in Miami. Despite leading twice and allowing Cape Verde to equalize, Argentina secured victory through resilience. Scaloni, coaching his 100th match with the national team, highlighted the team's character and refusal to give up as their greatest virtue. He praised Cape Verde's effort and noted the tense moment when the score reached 2-2. Scaloni emphasized that being Argentina means enduring tough moments with courage and heart. He also commended Facundo Medina and the Messi-Martínez connection. With only three and a half days of rest before facing Egypt, Scaloni expressed confidence that the victory would strengthen the team.
Últimas NoticiasMessi: Argentina Knew Cape Verde Would Be Tough After They Held Spain and Uruguay
Lionel Messi, named man of the match in Argentina's hard-fought victory over Cape Verde, acknowledged the difficulty of the game, noting that Cape Verde had previously not lost to Spain or Uruguay. Messi scored a goal, reaching 20 in World Cups, but admitted Argentina struggled after taking the lead, losing possession and dropping too deep. He emphasized the balanced nature of the World Cup knockout stage and stressed the need to rest and correct mistakes for the next match.
RecordMessi: Cape Verde's draws with Spain and Uruguay no coincidence; opponents judged by reputation
After Argentina's hard-fought extra-time victory over Cape Verde to advance to the World Cup Round of 16, captain Lionel Messi provided a candid post-match analysis. Messi emphasized that Cape Verde's previous draws with Spain and Uruguay were not coincidental, criticizing the tendency to judge opponents by reputation. He noted that scoring first did not lead to control, as Argentina lost possession, dropped too deep, and failed to press effectively. Messi highlighted the importance of set pieces, which Argentina had trained for and finally capitalized on. He also detailed defensive coordination issues, citing excessive distances between lines and numerical disadvantages in pressing. Messi stressed the need for rest, taking positives, and correcting numerous mistakes, reflecting the tournament's high balance and difficulty.
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