Argentina and Cabo Verde tied at 2-2 during intense World Cup match
Lionel Messi set a new World Cup scoring record, but a resilient Cabo Verde squad forced a 2-2 stalemate in a thrilling Round of 32 clash at Hard Rock Stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 delivered a dramatic display of resilience at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Defending champion Argentina and tournament debutant Cabo Verde entered extra time tied at 1-1, and as of the most recent reports from the venue, the match remains deadlocked at 2-2 with 15 minutes of play remaining.
Lionel Messi, who entered the match with 19 goals in his World Cup career, extended his own record in the 29th minute. He controlled an aerial ball from teammate Lisandro Martinez and finished past Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to put the reigning champions in front. Messi is the first player to score 20 goals in men's World Cup history. The opening half saw Argentina maintain control, though Cabo Verde’s defensive structure forced the defending champions to navigate significant pressure.
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Cabo Verde eventually broke through in the 59th minute. Captain Ryan Mendes navigated the right wing and found Deroy Duarte, who fired a low shot through the legs of Emiliano Martinez to equalize. Despite the disparity in tournament experience, the Blue Sharks remained disciplined, supported by the veteran goalkeeping of the 40-year-old Vozinha, who recorded multiple saves throughout the night to deny both Messi and his teammates.
The intensity escalated as the match moved into extra time. Lisandro Martinez regained the lead for Argentina in the 92nd minute, connecting with a corner kick to strike the ball into the top corner. However, the lead was short-lived. In the 103rd minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral responded for Cabo Verde, driving down the left flank before curling a long-range shot into the top right corner to bring the match to 2-2.
The matchup has tested the endurance of both sides in extreme conditions. Argentina, which won all three of its group-stage games, faced a resilient Cabo Verde side that advanced to the knockout stage despite failing to win a game in the group phase, earning progression through three draws, including a 0-0 result against Spain.
Off the field, the match has been accompanied by reports that Cabo Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation in New Zealand for sexual assault, according to reporting by Brazil’s Globo. Mendes is accused of assaulting a woman who worked as a translator for the team during their visit to New Zealand. Despite these reports, Mendes played as a starter in the Round of 32 clash.
With the score currently level at 2-2, the following context remains relevant for the remainder of the fixture:
- The winner of this match will face Egypt, who advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout in Dallas.
- The match is taking place at Hard Rock Stadium, which is slated to host additional tournament fixtures, including the third-place game on 18 July 2026.
Argentina continues to seek a path to consecutive world titles, while the Blue Sharks are attempting to extend their first-ever World Cup appearance. The next 15 minutes will determine whether the defending champions proceed or if the tournament will witness one of its most significant upsets to date.
