Football stars and analysts have praised Cape Verde following their narrow 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Messi scored in the 29th minute, but Deroy Duarte leveled the game in the 59th minute, forcing extra time. Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back in front at 92 minutes, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to respond with a stunning strike at 103 minutes. Ultimately, a 111th-minute own goal by Diney off a Messi corner kick ended Cape Verde’s tournament run.
The display drew significant social media praise. Rio Ferdinand reacted to the second equalizer by calling the goal amazing, while Stan Collymore labeled it the best of the tournament. Daniel Sturridge noted that Cape Verde were winners despite the loss, and Iker Casillas highlighted the emotional beauty of the team’s performance. Mats Hummels went further, calling it the most impressive performance by an underdog he had ever witnessed. Argentina now prepares for a Round of 16 match against Egypt on July 7.
