
Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE Score, FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Updates: Lionel Messi scored his 20th career World Cup goal, and his seventh of the current campaign, to give Argentina the lead against Cape Verde in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash in Miami. The Argentina number 10 controlled the ball exceptionally well inside the penalty area after Lisandro Martínez picked him out with a superb, lofted pass from deep. Messi made no mistake with the opportunity, clinically breaking the deadlock to make it 1-0 for the Albiceleste right after the first-half hydration break. It is a historic milestone for the legendary forward, who becomes the first player ever to reach 20 goals in the history of the tournament. Lautaro Martinez came close to making it 2-0 for Argentina before Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a brilliant diving save. Messi’s goal shattered the defensive resilience of a spirited Cape Verde side, who entered this classic David-and-Goliath knockout encounter in Florida having gone completely unbeaten during the group stage on their tournament debut. (MATCH CENTRE LIVE)