'They're A Great Team': Messi, Scaloni Praise Cape Verde After Epic Extra Time Battle

**Argentina Advances to Round of 16 After Thrilling Extra Time Battle Against Cape Verde**

Argentina's Lionel Messi and his teammates breathed a sigh of relief after a heart-stopping World Cup match against underdog Cape Verde. The defending champions' 3-2 victory, secured in extra time, was a testament to the Blue Sharks' remarkable performance and determination. As the teams left the field, Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni praised Cape Verde's resilience and skill, acknowledging that the match would be remembered as one of the most epic battles in World Cup history.

Background & Context

Cape Verde, a tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa, has been a dark horse in this year's World Cup. With a population of just 525,000, the country's participation in the tournament was a significant achievement in itself. The team's previous draws against former champions Spain and Uruguay, as well as Saudi Arabia, had already earned them a reputation as a formidable opponent. However, no one could have predicted the dramatic events that unfolded in their match against Argentina.

The match was played in front of a pro-Argentina crowd in South Florida, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension to the game. The stage was set for a thrilling encounter, and the Blue Sharks did not disappoint.

Key Details

Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for Argentina in the 29th minute, his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal. The goal was a testament to his skill and speed, as he sneaked behind the Cape Verde defense on a well-timed run and hammered a finish into the roof of the net. However, Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral equalized in the 103rd minute with a curling, right-footed strike past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, tying the game at 2-2 and sending it into extra time.

Cristian Romero's header deflected off Cape Verde's Diney Borges in the 111th minute, giving Argentina the go-ahead score and securing their 3-2 victory. Lisandro Martínez scored in the 92nd minute to put Argentina ahead 2-1, but Cabral's goal had made the match even more incredible, raising the possibility of Messi facing standout Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in a penalty shootout.

Argentina's victory marked their advancement to the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt, which beat Australia in a shootout earlier Friday. The match against Egypt will be played in Atlanta on Tuesday, and Argentina will be looking to build on their momentum and secure another win.

What Experts Say

Cape Verde's coach, Bubista, praised his team's performance, saying that they had dignified their country and shown their identity on the world stage. "We dignify what our country is. We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time," he said. "More than anything, it's being proud of our players who were dignified in the World Cup. We showed our identity."

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, also praised Cape Verde's performance, saying that they were a great team. "I have to give credit to our opponents. The truth is, when people say there's no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they're a great team," he said.

Messi added that his team had competed to the end, and that they were proud of their performance. "As this team has demonstrated many times, and as I've said many times, it competes. And we competed to the end," he said.

Key Takeaways

• Argentina advanced to the Round of 16 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in extra time.
• Cape Verde's performance was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, and they became the smallest country to reach the knockout round.
• Lionel Messi scored his record-extending 20th career World Cup goal, and extended his lead in the Golden Boot race with seven goals in the tournament.
• Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, made 10 saves against Argentina, including five against Messi, and was a key factor in the team's success.

What This Means For You

The match between Argentina and Cape Verde was a thrilling encounter that showcased the skill and determination of both teams. For everyday fans, the match was a reminder that underdogs can make a big impact in the World Cup, and that every match can be a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

As the tournament continues, fans can expect more exciting matches and upsets, and it will be interesting to see how Cape Verde's performance will be remembered as a highlight of the tournament. For now, the Blue Sharks can hold their heads high, knowing that they have made history as one of the smallest countries to reach the knockout round.

For Argentina, the match was a wake-up call and a reminder that they cannot take any opponent lightly. They will need to build on their momentum and stay focused if they want to secure another win and advance further in the tournament.