World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde Player Ratings

Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup adventure ended in heartbreaking fashion as reigning champions Argentina survived a monumental scare to win 3-2 after extra time in one of the greatest matches of the tournament so far. The Blue Sharks twice fought back from behind and pushed Lionel Messi’s side to the limit before an unfortunate extra-time own goal decided the contest in Miami.

Match Report

Argentina dominated possession early and finally broke through in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi finished calmly after sustained pressure around the Cape Verde penalty area. The goal extended the Argentine captain’s extraordinary World Cup legacy and appeared to settle the defending champions.

But Cape Verde refused to surrender. After surviving numerous attacks thanks to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, the African side found an equaliser in the 59th minute. Deroy Duarte unleashed a brilliant low strike beyond Emiliano Martínez to spark wild celebrations among the Blue Sharks supporters.

The drama intensified in extra time. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s advantage in the 92nd minute, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to produce one of the goals of the tournament with a sensational curling effort that made it 2-2 in the 103rd minute.

With penalties looming, heartbreak arrived for Cape Verde in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header from a Messi corner deflected off defender Diney Borges and into the net for the decisive goal. Despite one final push, the Blue Sharks could not find a third equaliser.

Cape Verde Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Vozinha – 8.4

The veteran goalkeeper delivered a magnificent performance and kept Cape Verde alive with a string of outstanding saves.

Defence

Steven Moreira – 6.3

Worked tirelessly on the right but struggled during Argentina’s late pressure.

Pico – 7.0

Strong in the air and composed in possession throughout the contest.

Diney Borges – 6.2

Battled hard but suffered the cruel misfortune of scoring the decisive own goal.

Sidny Lopes Cabral – 7.5

Outstanding display capped by a stunning extra-time equaliser that will live long in Cape Verdean football history.

Midfield

Kevin Lenini – 7.0

Received a yellow card but controlled midfield battles with maturity.

Deroy Duarte – 7.3

Scored Cape Verde’s first goal and produced another influential performance.

Jovane Cabral – 6.6

Worked hard defensively and offered occasional attacking moments.

Ryan Mendes – 6.6

The captain provided leadership and experience during difficult periods.

Attack

Nuno Da Costa – 6.0

Pressed relentlessly but found opportunities limited against Argentina’s defence.

Substitutes

Jamiro Monteiro – 6.4

Added fresh energy after entering midway through the second half.

Dailon Livramento – 6.5

Worked hard in attack without finding clear chances.

Helio Varela – 6.6

Made a positive contribution from the bench.

Willy Semedo – 6.2

Unable to influence proceedings significantly late on.

Yannick Semedo – 6.9

Provided intensity during extra time.

Gilson Tavares – 6.4

A lively cameo in the closing moments.

Verdict

Cape Verde may have exited the World Cup, but they left with enormous pride and worldwide admiration. Vozinha, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Deroy Duarte produced performances worthy of the biggest stage, while the Blue Sharks proved that football’s smallest nations can still dream on the grandest occasions. Argentina survived, but Cape Verde won hearts across the globe.