Argentina 3:2 Cape Verde — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Argentina to a 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in this World Cup round of 32 tie, setting up a last-16 clash yet to be confirmed. The reigning world champions laboured far more than expected against a spirited African side that twice clawed their way back into the match.

Argentina took the lead through Lionel Messi in the 29th minute after a Lisandro Martínez assist, but Cape Verde struck back when Deroy Duarte converted Ryan Mendes's pass in the 59th minute. Lisandro Martínez then restored Argentina's advantage from an Alexis Mac Allister cross in the 93rd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to level matters in the 103rd minute. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Diney Borges turned in a Lionel Messi pass to send Argentina through.

Argentina deserved the win, dominating both halves and creating the greater pressure throughout. CheckLive's model clearly favoured Argentina and the result confirmed that prediction, while the live signals correctly backed Argentina at odds of 1.56.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Argentina vs Cape Verde?

Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (World Cup, Round of 32).

Who scored?

Lionel Messi (29', assist Lisandro Martínez) for Argentina; Deroy Duarte (59', assist Ryan Mendes) for Cape Verde; Lisandro Martínez (93', assist Alexis Mac Allister) for Argentina; Sidny Lopes Cabral (103') for Cape Verde; Diney Borges (111', assist Lionel Messi) for Argentina.

Was Argentina's win deserved?

Yes — Argentina were on top for most of the match.

Were there any cards in Argentina vs Cape Verde?

Yellow cards: Kevin Pina (Cape Verde); Gonzalo Montiel (Argentina).

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