KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Argentina’s reign as World Cup champions continues, but not without a significant scare. The South American side needed extra time to defeat first-time World Cup participants Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday, escaping what could have been a stunning upset in Kansas City.
Cape Verde refused to be intimidated, coming from behind twice to level the score and expose defensive weaknesses in the Argentine lineup. The match was ultimately settled when defender Cristian Romero’s header was redirected into the net off Cape Verde’s Diney Borges, finally putting the contest to rest.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had cautioned before the match that Cape Verde posed a real threat, pointing to their group stage draws against Spain and Uruguay. Still, few expected the tournament newcomers to push Argentina this close to elimination.
The result throws a spotlight on Argentina heading into their round-of-16 showdown with Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday. The team had cruised through the group stage with wins over Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1), but questions had already been swirling about the quality of opposition they had faced. Their defense had not been seriously tested until Friday night.
Former River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo, who represented Argentina at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, suggested the close call might be exactly what the team needed. “It was good that this happened. There will be a reaction, there has to be a reaction,” he said on ESPN Argentina.
Lionel Messi scored in the first half, extending his own World Cup record to 20 career goals, but the 39-year-old captain acknowledged the physical demands of the match took a toll. “They had the ball and made us run because we couldn’t press,” he said. “We couldn’t press them properly, the lines were too far apart.”
Scaloni acknowledged room for improvement while crediting his team’s ability to respond under pressure. “There is always room for improvement, but it is important that the team stepped up during difficult moments,” the manager said. “We can debate whether we played well or poorly, but this team doesn’t shy away from taking charge of the match.”
Two defenders who battled back from serious injuries provided key contributions and gave the victory an added emotional dimension. Lisandro Martinez, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in early 2025, scored Argentina’s second goal. Romero, who had missed earlier tournament games due to knee problems, helped set up the winning goal.
“Everything I went through was very hard, but thanks to my club and the national team today I’m very happy,” Martinez said. “I’m grateful to the doctors and coaching staff for allowing me to be here. I’m on cloud nine.”
Argentina will head to Miami on Saturday to resume training as they prepare to face Egypt in the knockout round.
