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By Ollie Whitmore, Chief Football Correspondent

Cristian Romero ensured Argentina narrowly avoided what could have been the biggest shock in World Cup history, as his late intervention forced an own goal to secure a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde at Miami Stadium, sending the reigning champions into the round of 16 after an unforgettable contest.

Lionel Messi extended his remarkable scoring streak to eight consecutive games at the tournament with a classic striker’s finish. Yet Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte stunned the holders by firing home the equaliser past Emiliano Martínez following a clever assist from Blue Sharks captain Ryan Mendes.

Lisandro Martínez appeared to have ended the debutants’ dream run by driving in a thunderous effort from a corner early in extra time. However, full-back Sidney Cabral produced an astonishing curling shot into the top corner to level the score again, keeping the fairytale alive until the closing stages.

In the 115th minute, Romero rose above the defence to meet Messi’s corner, his header deflecting off Diney Borges and into the net to finally put Argentina in front once more, sealing a dramatic meeting with Egypt in the next round.

For Cape Verde, a nation of just over 620,000 people, it marked the end of a captivating story—one that will be remembered as among the most inspiring in World Cup history.

From the opening whistle, the islanders were content to let Argentina control possession, keeping their defensive line compact. Messi had an early sight of goal, sending a low shot narrowly wide of the post.

The 39-year-old captain then won a free-kick from a central position after being fouled by Jovane Cabral, but his effort towards the bottom corner was comfortably gathered by Vozinha, the out-of-contract veteran goalkeeper.

Having already scored in a record seventh straight World Cup game, Messi made it eight with a perfectly timed run behind the defence to collect Lisandro Martínez’s lofted pass. Showing trademark composure, he hammered a left-foot strike into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the competition, giving Argentina a deserved lead half an hour into what many expected to be a straightforward contest.

That strike also made Messi the oldest scorer ever in a World Cup knockout match at 39 years and nine days—a record to add to his glittering list of achievements.

Cape Verde, composed and disciplined, refused to panic and continued to build patiently from the back. Duarte tested Martínez with a low effort from the edge of the area, which the goalkeeper held comfortably, but the underdogs’ determination never wavered.

Moments later, Mendes threaded a delightful pass between Facundo Medina’s legs to find Duarte, who controlled and drove his shot past Martínez to equalise—sending shockwaves through the stadium.

Messi nearly restored Argentina’s lead soon after, only for Vozinha to deny him brilliantly in a one-on-one. The veteran goalkeeper then saved another Messi free-kick late in the second half, diving low to his right to preserve the draw and keep Cape Verde’s dream alive.

As Argentina pushed forward, Cape Verde’s defence held firm. Centre-back Pico Lopes, recruited for the tournament through LinkedIn, almost scored an own goal when a cross deflected off him and missed the post by inches. Moments later, his attempted clearance with his arm from a Messi cross was checked by VAR, but no penalty was given as play continued into eight minutes of stoppage time.

In the dying moments of regulation, Messi was fouled again on the edge of the penalty area. His ensuing free-kick and the follow-up header were both stopped by Vozinha, forcing extra time and further testing Argentina’s resolve.

Early in extra time, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez turned goalscorer, smashing a shot high into the net to restore Argentina’s advantage. Yet Cape Verde responded once more, as Cabral unleashed a sensational strike from the left edge of the box that curled into the far top corner—an effort that left Martínez rooted to the spot and the footballing world in awe.

With nine minutes of extra time remaining, Messi’s corner found Romero, whose header deflected off Borges for the decisive own goal. That proved enough to send Argentina through after an exhausting, edge-of-the-seat encounter.

Cape Verde had one last chance from a free-kick, with Cabral forcing Martínez into a superb fingertip save to push the ball over the bar. It was the final act of a contest that showcased the very best of the World Cup spirit.

The defending champions survived a monumental scare, edging through one of the greatest knockout games in World Cup history. Cape Verde depart the tournament as heroes, having captivated fans worldwide with their tenacity, skill, and fearless football.