Romero's 111th-minute goal rescues Argentina from Cape Verde upset at World Cup

Cristian Romero spared Argentina’s blushes at Miami Stadium on Friday, heading the reigning world champions into the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 with a 111th-minute winner that ended a pulsating 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde.

Lionel Messi had given Argentina the lead in the 29th minute with a finish that became his 20th career World Cup goal — a new all-time record. Lisandro Martínez, who had assisted Messi’s opener, then put Argentina ahead again early in extra time, only for Cape Verde to refuse to yield.

The African side had already stunned the Estadio crowd once when Deroy Duarte curled in a stunning equaliser in the 59th minute, silencing a partisan Argentina following and forcing the match beyond 90 minutes. Goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding throughout, repeatedly denying the South American giants during regulation.

Cape Verde’s resilience showed no signs of fading in extra time either. Sidny Lopes Cabral curled in a breathtaking second equaliser to make it 2-2, sprinting into the stands to celebrate with the Cape Verde supporters in scenes that briefly threatened one of the great World Cup upsets.

Romero’s decisive header in the 111th minute ultimately ended Cape Verde’s resistance and preserved Argentina’s status as tournament favourites, but the performance will raise serious questions about Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead of tougher tests to come.

Argentina will face Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday, 7 July at Atlanta Stadium.