Messi acknowledges Cape Verde challenged them after Argentina's grueling 3-2 victory: 'We couldn't pressure them'

Lionel Messi acknowledged that Cape Verde pushed them to the limit during Saturday's 2026 World Cup round of 32 match in Miami on Saturday. He said that while the defending champions managed to score the opening goal, Argentina had lost their momentum, giving the opposition a chance to exploit their weaknesses.

Argentina endured a tough challenge throughout the 100+ minutes of action in the knockout tie. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha put up a spectacular defensive showcase, but the defending champions managed to pull off a 3-2 finish to advance in the knockouts.

Cape Verde delivered such a spectacular performance that even Messi acknowledged they pushed Argentina to the limit throughout the action.

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Messi: 'It was going to be difficult'

Speaking to reporters after the match, Messi emphasised that knockout ties are difficult and nothing comes easy. He added that the ongoing World Cup has been extremely competitive, and they had to fight hard in every match.

"We knew it was going to be a very tough match; this team hadn't lost to Spain and Uruguay for a reason. We did the hardest part, which was finding the first goal. We thought that from then on, we would start to find our game and be more relaxed, but it was the complete opposite. We lost the ball, we sat back, we couldn't pressure them well, and they struck with their strengths. We knew it was going to be difficult; this is a knockout tournament, and nobody gives you anything for free.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy at all, and that's what this World Cup, in particular, is all about. It's very evenly matched, very complicated, and every game is going to be extremely difficult," Messi said.

Argentina advance to World Cup round of 16

After Argentina and Cape Verde went back and forth by scoring goals, the deciding moment came during extra time when Christian Romero found Messi's pass and netted the ball with a header. Diney Borges attempted to stop the ball but got a slight deflection, which found the back of the net, with Argentina taking the score to 3-2.

Also Read | Lionel Messi attains historic World Cup record in thrilling World Cup knockout tie vs Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde exit the tournament with their heads up high, while Argentina gear up to face Egypt in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7, at 09:30 PM IST.