MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Argentina star forward Lionel Messi wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief Friday night. His teammates did the same.
A thrilling World Cup knockout match with underdog Cape Verde was finally over — and the reigning champions had survived after being pushed to the brink in game that will surely be unforgettable not only for both teams but to all those who witnessed it.
Cape Verde tied the score in regulation and again in extra time, but the Blue Sharks could not respond to Argentina’s third goal, and La Albiceleste advanced to the round of 16 with a 3-2 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
Even in defeat, the performance by Cape Verde — a tiny island nation off the western coast of Africa — will stand as one of the most remarkable stories of this, or any, World Cup.
“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) proved they’re a great team.”