Argentina eventually booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, but the performance left plenty to discuss. While Lionel Messi contributed with a goal and two assists from set pieces, Argentina’s central defenders proved to be the real difference in one of the tournament’s most entertaining knockout matches.
Cape Verde once again showed incredible determination, pushing the defending champions to their limits with an outstanding team display.
Argentina Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez – 5.5/10
The Aston Villa goalkeeper had a difficult evening. He could do very little about Cape Verde’s stunning second goal, but he will feel disappointed with the first equalizer after getting a touch on the shot. He redeemed himself late in extra time with an important save that helped preserve Argentina’s narrow lead.
Defenders
Nahuel Molina – 6/10
Worked hard down the right flank and supported attacks whenever possible, although he was tested defensively throughout the match.
Cristian Romero – 8/10 ⭐ Player of the Match
Romero produced the moment that ultimately decided the tie. His powerful header deep into extra time sent Argentina into the next round, while he also remained solid defensively during Cape Verde’s late pressure.
Lisandro Martinez – 8.5/10
Outstanding from start to finish. He created Messi’s opening goal with an excellent through ball before scoring Argentina’s second goal himself. Calm in possession and reliable in defense, he was arguably Argentina’s most complete performer.
Facundo Medina – 5.5/10
A difficult night for the left-back, who struggled to contain Cape Verde’s attacks and offered limited support going forward.
Midfielders
Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10
Failed to control the midfield as expected and struggled to influence the game. Although involved in Argentina’s second goal, his overall display lacked consistency.
Rodrigo De Paul – 6.5/10
Improved after halftime by increasing the intensity and helping Argentina regain momentum when the match threatened to slip away.
Enzo Fernandez – 6/10
Worked hard throughout the game and kept possession moving but rarely created clear attacking opportunities.
Forwards
Thiago Almada – 5.5/10
Saw little of the ball in dangerous positions and found it difficult to make an impact before being substituted.
Lionel Messi – 8/10
Messi once again proved decisive despite an inconsistent performance. He opened the scoring with a composed finish and delivered the two set pieces that produced Argentina’s remaining goals. However, he also missed several good opportunities that could have finished the contest much earlier.
Lautaro Martinez – 6/10
Worked tirelessly for the team and linked play well at times, but he lacked his usual sharpness in front of goal.
Substitutes
- Julian Alvarez – 6/10
- Nico Gonzalez – 5.5/10
- Leandro Paredes – 5.5/10
- Nicolas Tagliafico – 5.5/10
- Gonzalo Montiel – N/A
Image Suggestion 2
- Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring.
- Emiliano Martinez making a crucial late save.
Cape Verde Player Ratings
Despite elimination, Cape Verde produced another fearless display and earned enormous respect for pushing the defending champions into extra time.
Goalkeeper
Vozinha – 8.5/10 ⭐ Cape Verde’s Best Player
The experienced goalkeeper produced several outstanding saves throughout the match and had little chance with any of Argentina’s three goals. His performance kept Cape Verde alive for more than two hours.
Defenders
Steven Moreira – 5.5/10
Worked tirelessly but found it difficult to stop Argentina’s movement.
Pico Lopez – 7.5/10
Outstanding in central defense. Produced several important clearances and constantly frustrated Argentina’s forwards.
Diney Borges – 4.5/10
Allowed Messi too much space for the opening goal and endured a difficult evening.
Sidny Cabral – 8/10
Scored one of the best goals of the tournament with a brilliant finish during extra time and constantly threatened Argentina’s defense from the left side.
Midfielders
Kevin Pina – 6.5/10
Disciplined performance in midfield, breaking up attacks and helping his side remain compact.
Laros Duarte – 6/10
Worked hard defensively and covered plenty of ground throughout the match.
Deroy Duarte – 7.5/10
Scored Cape Verde’s first equalizer and timed his attacking runs perfectly throughout the evening.
Forwards
Jovane Cabral – 6/10
Created several dangerous moments with intelligent movement inside the penalty area.
Ryan Mendes – 7/10
Provided an excellent assist and remained Cape Verde’s main creative outlet whenever his side attacked.
Nuno da Costa – 5/10
A quiet performance with very little involvement before being replaced.
Substitutes
- Jamiro Monteiro – 6/10
- Helio Varela – 6/10
- Dailon Livramento – 5.5/10
- Willy Semedo – 5/10
- Yannick Semedo – 5/10
- Gilson Tavares – 5/10
Final Verdict
Argentina advanced to the Round of 16, but their defenders were the true heroes of the night. Lisandro Martinez delivered a complete performance at both ends of the pitch, while Cristian Romero’s dramatic extra-time winner ensured the world champions avoided one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Cape Verde may be leaving the World Cup, but their fearless display against one of football’s biggest nations will be remembered as one of the standout performances of the competition.
