Cabral Levels Argentina 2-2 in Extra Time After Messi's 6th World Cup Goal
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 4
Cabral Levels Argentina 2-2 in Extra Time After Messi's 6th World Cup Goal
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 4
Summary
Jovane Cabral curled in a late equalizer to make it 2-2 in extra time, reviving Cabo Verde in a Round of 32 upset bid against defending champion Argentina in Miami.
Lionel Messi had put Argentina ahead 1-0 before Deroy Duarte leveled at 1-1 in regulation, and Lisandro Martinez then restored Argentina's lead early in extra time.
Messi's opener was his sixth goal of the tournament, leaving him tied with Kylian Mbappe atop the scoring chart and one short of 20 in his World Cup career.
Cabo Verde, playing in its first World Cup, had already advanced from a group with Uruguay, Spain and Saudi Arabia, turning the match into one of the knockout stage's biggest David-vs.-Goliath tests.
Is Cabo Verde's diaspora-fueled rise the new blueprint for underdog success in international football?
With an aging defense and off-field turmoil, are we witnessing the end of Argentina's football dynasty?
Cape Verde’s Fairytale Continues: 2-2 Draw Against Defending Champions Argentina at World Cup 2026
Overview
On July 2nd, 2026, Argentina and Cape Verde met for the first time on the international stage, playing to a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time in Miami Gardens. Cape Verde, the tournament’s biggest fairytale story, impressed by holding European champions Spain and drawing 2-2 with Uruguay before advancing from their group. Their goalkeeper Vozinha became an unexpected star, gaining significant Instagram fame. Despite Argentina’s attacking power and perfect group stage record, Cape Verde’s resilience and disciplined defense forced the defending champions into a hard-fought battle, highlighting the remarkable rise of the World Cup debutants.