Lionel Messi scored his 20th World Cup goal as Argentina beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to reach the last 16. The defending champions survived a spirited fightback from the tournament debutants in a dramatic knockout clash. Pakistan Textile Exports June shipments fall 22.6% despite modest annual growth Messi gave Argentina the lead with a superb first-half finish. His seventh goal of the tournament put the holders in control before Cape Verde mounted an impressive comeback. Cape Verde push champions to the limit Deroy Duarte equalised just after the hour mark and forced Argentina to work harder in the Miami heat. Lisandro MartÃnez restored Argentina’s advantage early in extra time. However, Sidny Lopes Cabral struck a spectacular effort into the top corner to level the match again. Argentina finally secured victory from a corner. Cristian Romero met Messi’s delivery with a header, and the ball deflected off Diney Borges into the net for an own goal. Messi reaches another milestone Argentina will face Egypt in the last 16 on Tuesday in Atlanta. Head coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side faced a difficult challenge despite progressing. “It would have been madness to lose,” Scaloni said. “We have to congratulate our opponents. They proved there are no easy matches at the World Cup.” Cape Verde impressed throughout the tournament after reaching the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance. The Blue Sharks had already earned draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia during the group stage. Messi shines in Miami return Playing in the city where he represents Inter Miami, Messi received a warm reception from nearly 65,000 supporters. The 39-year-old produced a moment of brilliance to open the scoring. He controlled Lisandro MartÃnez’s pass before lifting a composed finish over goalkeeper Vozinha. The goal extended Messi’s record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches. It also gave him a two-goal lead over Kylian Mbappé in the race to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Cape Verde continued to threaten after the break. Goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez denied Duarte before the midfielder eventually found the equaliser with a low finish. Vozinha also made a crucial save to stop Messi in a one-on-one situation. Defender Pico Lopes later blocked Enzo Fernández from close range after another dangerous move. Lisandro MartÃnez appeared to have settled the contest in extra time. Nevertheless, Cape Verde responded immediately through Lopes Cabral’s stunning strike. As penalties loomed, Romero’s header forced the decisive own goal. Even then, Argentina had to survive late pressure before Emiliano MartÃnez produced another vital save to seal victory. Post navigation Portugal vs Croatia Ramos sends Portugal into World Cup last 16 after VAR drama
