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As the stakes were raised for Lionel Messi and Argentina on Friday, they had to survive a scare — but as the legend's outstanding 2026 World Cup performance continued, his team managed to advance.
Argentina held on for a thrilling 3-2 win over Cape Verde in Friday's Round of 32 match, advancing to the second stage of the knockout round thanks to some extra-time heroics. Messi didn't gave the game-winner, but he still put forth a terrific performance.
With an early goal — his 20th in the World Cup all-time — on top of a barrage of shots and the pass that set up the game-winning header, Messi shined yet again to open the knockout round.
The Sporting News tracked Lionel Messi's performance in Argentina vs. Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Here's a look at the star's stats, highlights and more.
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Argentina vs. Cape Verde score
Lionel Messi stats today
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 0
- Shots: 9
- Shots on goal: 6
- Touches: 83
Lionel Messi live highlights, updates from Argentina vs. Cape Verde at World Cup
All times ET.
9:00 p.m. — Messi and Argentina live to see another day.
Messi salutes the Argentina fans after an Extra Time win in Miami 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/ootGWGTxcA
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 20268:58 p.m. — It didn't go down as an assist, but Messi played a role in the eventual game-winner for Argentina in a wild match. His pass from the corner set up Sidny Lopes Cabral's header to make it 3-2.
All Messi could do was smile after Argentina went back in front 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/OsHee9FioC
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 4, 20268:00 p.m. — Another Messi free kick is denied, and Cape Verde is fighting in this one as they go to extra time.
Messi goes low on the free kick and it’s SAVED YET AGAIN by Vozinha 🤯
What a performance from the Cape Verde goalkeeper! pic.twitter.com/lzZtcqvGcs
7:35 p.m. — All of a sudden, Argentina could be in some trouble. Cape Verde got the equalizer from Deroy Duarte, and while Messi has four shots on goal already, Vozinha is coming through with some huge saves.
VOZINHA WAS SETTING HIS WALL AND STILL DENIES MESSI’S FREE KICK 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zABI6bfNfX
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026VOZINHA HUGE SAVE ON LIONEL MESSI TO KEEP THIS MATCH LEVEL FOR CAPE VERDE 🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/EsKQ4Qmrwk
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 20266:32 p.m. — Eight World Cup matches in a row with a goal for Messi. Unreal.
8 straight FIFA World Cup matches with a goal for Leo Messi 😱
He extends his incredible record to give Argentina the lead pic.twitter.com/5bdFNwZlGR
6:31 p.m. — Messi does it again! Make it seven World Cup goals for the superstar already, as he puts Argentina up 1-0 vs. Cape Verde.
MESSI GOOOAAL TO GIVE ARGENTINA THE LEAD 🐐
Lionel Messi scores his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal to make it 1-0 over Cape Verde! pic.twitter.com/ewqsqO5Sl9
6:21 p.m. — On his free kick chance, Messi's shot is saved by Cape Verde's goalkeeper:
Messi’s free kick is saved by Cape Verde keeper Vozinha 😱 pic.twitter.com/AUYnyjLdgq
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 20266:17 p.m. — An early look at the goal for Messi, but he misses to the right:
Messi with a chance to give Argentina the early lead 👀 pic.twitter.com/FEzhSxXF9N
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 20266:15 p.m. — Messi is also making some history tonight, becoming the first player to make 30 appearances at the World Cup.
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 3, 20266:00 p.m. — Messi is ready for Argentina's first knockout match.
Messi ready to lead out Argentina in the Round of 32 against Cape Verde 🐐 pic.twitter.com/gl0YU7mCXu
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 3, 2026How to watch Messi's World Cup games
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
Friday's match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Argentina World Cup 2026 schedule, results
Now in the knockout round, Argentina will face Egypt next in the Round of 16.
Here's a look at Argentina's group stage performances:
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Tues., June 16 | Argentina 3, Algeria 0 | 9 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| Mon., June 22 | Argentina 2, Austria 0 | 1 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Sat., June 27 | Argentina 3, Jordan 1 | 9 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
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