Cabo Verde produced one of the biggest performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026, pushing defending champions Argentina to the limit in a thrilling knockout clash. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the tournament, but Cabo Verde responded twice, forcing the match into extra time and stunning football fans around the world. After MartÃnez restored Argentina's lead in stoppage time, Lopez Cabral scored a sensational equaliser to keep Cabo Verde's dream alive. Ultimately, an unfortunate own goal ended the underdogs' historic run, as Argentina survived a major scare to advance to the Round of 16. Despite the defeat, Cabo Verde's fearless display will be remembered as one of the defining stories of the tournament.