Cape Verde stars gatecrash Messi's post-match interview for selfies after Argentina scare

Argentina edged past Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup round of 32 clash, with Lionel Messi scoring his seventh goal of the tournament — but the defending champions were made to suffer before Cristian Romero’s deflected header finally settled the contest and sent them through to face Egypt.

The match was a genuine scare for Argentina. They took the lead twice, only to be pegged back on both occasions by two outstanding Cape Verde levellers, before Romero’s decisive contribution in extra time. Cape Verde, for their part, depart the tournament unbeaten over 90 minutes — they drew 0-0 with Spain and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, and held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw.

The drama did not end at the final whistle. As Messi conducted his post-match media interviews, several Cape Verde players wandered over to interrupt proceedings — not to argue, but to grab selfies with the 39-year-old. Messi obligingly paused his interview to pose for pictures, quipping to the assembled press: “They asked for my jersey, everything… On the field, they kick the c**p out of me.”

Once the photo session was over, Messi was generous in his assessment of the opponents who had pushed Argentina so close. “It was a very tough game,” he said. “They hadn’t lost to Spain or Uruguay. We did the most difficult thing, which was to score the first goal. We thought that we would be able to play our game and be calm, but it was the opposite.”

Messi acknowledged that Argentina struggled to impose themselves for long stretches. “We lost the ball, we were a bit behind, we couldn’t press it well. They hit us with their weapons. We knew it would be difficult. This is a kill-kill game and no one gives you anything.”

Looking ahead to the round of 16, Messi was measured rather than triumphant. “This is what sets this World Cup apart. It’s all very even, very complicated, all the games are going to be very difficult. We suffered, while playing well and playing badly. The important thing now is to rest, think about what’s coming and try to get positive things out of today’s game.”