Argentina Roboh Tanjung Verde Lewat Drama Extra Time di Miami

Skor akhir: Argentina 2-1 Tanjung Verde (a.e.t.) —Argentina ensured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after surviving a nervous night at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on Friday (03/07/2026). The reigning champions were pushed all the way to extra time before Lionel Messi, at the age of 39, finally broke the deadlock and triggered scenes of relief among the Argentine stands.

The victory was far from comfortable. Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout phase of a World Cup, defended stubbornly for 90 minutes and forced Argentina into a cage match. The Celeste took the lead, held it for almost half an hour, and only fell behind in the 103rd minute before Messi restored parity four minutes later.

Menit ke-23: Tanjung Verde Unggulkan Dulu lewat Serangan Balik

Argentina, who lined up in a 4-3-3 under their usual high press, dominated the opening spell without scoring. Penguasaan bola settled at 68 percent for the Albiceleste in the first half, but the shots on target column told a different story: just two attempts on goal from eleven Argentinian attackers who spent most of the afternoon firing wide from the edge of the box.

Cape Verde, defending in a compact 5-4-1 block, punished a rare transition in the 23rd minute. A loose clearance from the Argentine centre-back was gathered by their left winger, who surged down the flank and cut the ball back for a first-time finish from the top of the six-yard box. The stadium went quiet for a moment, then erupted as the African side led 1-0.

Starting XI dan Perubahan Taktik di Paruh Waktu

Argentina's starting XI for the knockout tie read: an attacking trident of Messi on the right, an Lautaro Martínez-style No.9 up front, and a No.10 cutting in from the left, supported by a midfield trio and a back four. Cape Verde countered with a disciplined back five and two holding midfielders.

At the interval, the tactical switch was obvious. Argentina pushed their full-backs higher, dropped the pivot deeper, and flooded the box with a No.8 and a late-running No.10. The result was immediate: shots on target climbed to nine by the 70th minute, and two attempts were ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.

Menit ke-103 dan 107: Dua Gol yang Menentukan Nasib

The 90 minutes ended goalless in Argentine terms, and the 95th minute of regulation produced a yellow card for a late challenge in midfield. Extra time began with both sides visibly fatigued — the average age of Argentina's outfield players made the 30 extra minutes feel like an eternity.

Then, in the 103rd minute, Argentina won a corner. The cross was flicked on, and after a scramble in front of goal, the ball was turned in at the back post for 1-1. Four minutes later, Messi collected the ball just inside the left side of the penalty area, feinted past two defenders and curled a right-footed shot into the top corner for 2-1.

Pelatih: 'Tim Tidak Pernah Kehilangan Karakter'

After the final whistle, the Argentine coach was direct in his assessment.

Kami tidak boleh_ssluar — kami tidak boleh kehilangan karakter di menit-menit terakhir. Cape Verde_PLAYED_until the end, and our players understood that extra time belongs to those who keep their heads. The goal from Messi is not just a goal, it is reward for 110 minutes of patience.

Statistik Finale yang Menjawab Perdebatan

The numbers confirmed what the eye suggested: Argentina finished with 66 percent penguasaan bola and 15 shots on goal from 21 attempts, against Cape Verde's four efforts. The starting XI of the Celestes managed only one shot on target in open play throughout 110 minutes.

VAR reviewed two Argentine appeals for penalties in the second half and, later, the goal that sealed the tie, but no major overturn was made. Cape Verde ended the match with three yellow cards and no dismissals.

Elegan di Akhir Laga: Messi Angkat Bek Tanjung Verde

Before leaving the pitch, Messi made time for a gesture that captured the spirit of the night. He approached Cape Verde defender Sidney Lopes Cabral — the young man who had tracked him for nearly a full half — and lifted him off his feet in a warm embrace, acknowledging the effort of the smallest football nation on the planet.

Argentina now advance to the last 16, where a sterner test awaits. But on this humid evening in Miami Gardens, the champions proved once more that World Cup nights are rarely decided by favourites alone.