Lionel Messi reached a historic 20 World Cup goals, but Argentina needed a tragic 111th-minute own goal to survive Cape Verde.
Cape Verde's entire population could fit into Miami twice. They still pushed the world champions to the absolute limit.
ACT I · 29'
made history in the 29th minute, scoring his 20th career World Cup goal to extend his scoring streak to eight games.
ACT II · 59' — 92'
But the debutants refused to fade. shocked the champions with a 59th-minute equalizer, before restored Argentina's lead in the 92nd minute.
THE PEAK · 103'
The smallest nation to ever reach the knockouts struck back again, as scored a stunning 103rd-minute equalizer to make it 2-2.
111' · THE CRUELEST BLOW
A tragic 111th-minute own goal by finally breaks Cape Verde's heroic resistance.
That was for those who said we had an easy run in the draw. Sure, we deserved to win and go through, but it was an extremely difficult match
Lionel Scaloni · Argentina · Head Coach · The Straits Times
The full presser
Honestly, we knew beforehand that the match would be extremely tough. And it's no coincidence that this national team hasn't lost to Spain or Uruguay
· Argentina · Captain & Forward · The Indian Express
We did our best and we did it with bravery. Never did we fail to stay true to our identity, which is why I am so proud of what my players did
Bubista · Cape Verde · Head Coach · The Guardian
WHERE THIS GOES
The world champions survive a monumental scare. A Round of 16 clash with Egypt awaits the reigning champions.