By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI-Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina begin their knockout campaign on Friday as they face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at Miami Stadium, with Lionel Messi aiming to continue his sensational form.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00pm local time (22:00 GMT) in Miami, where Argentina will look to extend their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina topped Group J after winning all three of their matches, defeating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1. Much of their success has been inspired by 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi, who has already scored six goals and is among the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
Cape Verde, one of the surprise packages of the tournament, qualified as runners-up in Group H after drawing with Spain (0-0), Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0). The island nation, competing in its first-ever FIFA World Cup, has become one of the competition’s biggest success stories by reaching the knockout stages.
Despite Argentina entering the match as overwhelming favourites, head coach Lionel Scaloni has warned against underestimating the African side.
“They are a good team and they are here on merit,” Scaloni said. “We respect them because they have shown throughout the tournament that they can compete with anyone.”
Cape Verde coach Bubista echoed his team’s confidence, insisting they will maintain the fearless style that has carried them this far.
“We trust our work and our players,” Bubista said. “Our approach will not change because of the opponent.”
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Argentina have an 81 percent chance of winning the match within 90 minutes and an 89.4 percent chance of progressing to the Round of 16. Cape Verde advance in only 10.6 percent of the tournament simulations.
The match will also mark the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Argentina have won each of their last seven FIFA World Cup matches against African opposition since their opening defeat to Cameroon in 1990.
Predicted Line-ups
Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, Cabral; Pina; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Semedo; Livramento.
Cape Verde will be without Telmo Arcanjo due to a hamstring injury, while Sidny Lopes Cabral returns after serving a suspension.
A victory for Argentina would send them into the Round of 16, where they would face either Australia or Egypt, while Cape Verde will be hoping to produce one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history.
