World Cup 2026: Cape Verde president predicts victory over Messi’s Argentina

Cape Verde President José Maria Neves has declared his country’s chances of defeating world champions Argentina are “100%”, insisting the Blue Sharks have every reason to believe they can produce one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

The African nation, with a population of around 525,000, will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Miami on Friday after becoming the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.

Cape Verde earned their place in the last 16 after finishing second in Group H with three draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Although ranked 62 places below Argentina in the FIFA rankings, the Blue Sharks have exceeded expectations throughout the tournament.

Neves believes his team can continue that remarkable run and even predicted a 1-0 victory over the reigning world champions.

President backs historic upset

Speaking to the BBC, Neves expressed complete confidence in Cape Verde’s chances despite the scale of the challenge awaiting his side.

“I think Cape Verde can beat Argentina 1-0. We play to win… when expectations are low for a team, and that team has the will to win, it’s possible. A small nation like Cape Verde has to make the effort to always do that – to constantly surprise people.”

The president also insisted that belief within the squad remains unwavering.

“The national team has ‘100% faith, 100% hope, and would give absolutely everything. So yes, we have a 100% chance of beating Argentina.”

Looking ahead to the contest, he added:

“We went to this World Cup to write our own destiny, which is to face the champions. So we will face Argentina and [Lionel] Messi with the same determination, the same will, and with the desire to win and reach the next stage.”

Coach and players embrace the challenge

Cape Verde head coach Bubista echoed the president’s optimism, saying “nothing is impossible” at the World Cup.

He also highlighted the wider significance of facing Argentina.

“From the beginning, we said that one of our goals was to show our country to the rest of the world. To be able to play against Argentina and Messi at this stage of the competition is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself.”

Midfielder Deroy Duarte described the occasion as a dream and maintained that “anything is possible.”

Messi presents the biggest obstacle

Stopping Lionel Messi remains Cape Verde’s greatest challenge.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been in outstanding form, scoring six goals in two starts and one substitute appearance during the tournament.

He also became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals.

One of the players expected to shoulder the responsibility of containing Messi is central defender Roberto Lopes, better known as Pico.

Born in Ireland, the 34-year-old spent the past nine years with Shamrock Rovers before representing Cape Verde on the international stage.

Pico’s mother confident ahead of showdown

Roberto Lopes’ mother, Judy Lopes, believes her son is well prepared for one of the biggest tests of his career.

“He is always very calm, confident and performs very well under pressure. He has a good head on his shoulders and will be perfectly capable of ignoring the noise around this match.”

She added:

“People don’t realize how experienced he is now. He’s played in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and spent ten years at Shamrock Rovers, and I don’t think that will faze him in the slightest. I believe he’ll relish this challenge and I hope he does well.”

Asked whether she had ever imagined her son facing Messi at a World Cup, she replied:

“Not at all. Not in a million years. It’s like I’m watching all of this unfold from the outside. I can’t even believe I’m involved, it’s so incredible. Just to think that he’s probably going to be up against one of the best players in the world right now. And that Messi will be studying Pico’s game before Friday, analyzing his strategy and seeing how he’s going to get past this defensive rock!”

A tournament to remember

Regardless of Friday’s result, President Neves believes Cape Verde have already achieved something historic by reaching the knockout stage.

He said the country could leave the World Cup “with its head held high and with the feeling of having accomplished its mission.”

For the Blue Sharks, the meeting with Argentina represents another opportunity to continue a remarkable journey that has already captured attention far beyond the islands.