Argentina v Cape Verde: World Cup 2026 last 32 – live
Key events
During my exhaustive research for this liveblog – googling “Who is this Messi guy” and the like – I had a look at Cape Verde. I now want to go on holiday there. I am not taking money from the Cape Verde Tourist Board for this. For the sake of balance, I hear Argentina is great too.
The winners of this match will play either Australia or Egypt, who are currently in the second period of extra time in their last 32 match. You can follow all the action with our liveblog here:
Weather watch
A big blanket of filthy heat has squatted over the east coast of the US for the last few days, but it’s actually not too bad in Miami Gardens (by Miami Gardens standards). It will be 30C/86F at kick off, not ideal but not unfamiliar conditions for a lot of the Cape Verde squad, especially Pico Lopes, who is used to playing in the scalding heat of the Dublin suburbs for Shamrock Rovers. And possibly not for Lionel Messi who has spent his last few Julys playing in, let’s see … Miami!
Although Hard Rock/Miami Stadium doesn’t have AC it is designed to capture breezes. It was certainly pleasant enough the one time I’ve been there. Although, granted, that was in February.
Preamble
Hello! It’s fairytale time as Cape Verde, the smallest nation left in the World Cup, are playing the world champions, Argentina, led by the greatest player of the modern era. According to Opta’s Very Big And Clever Super Computer the Cape Verdeans have a 10% chance of winning tonight, which seems a little generous?
Anyway, if they do win it would be a sporting shock along the lines of Japan beating South Africa at the (Rugby) World Cup, Leicester winning the Premier League, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, the Miracle on Ice, Cameroon beating Argentina at the 1986 World Cup, Saudi Arabia beating Argentina at the 2022 World Cu… Hang on, I’m seeing a trend here.
Tom will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at this match from Graham Ruthven’s daily watch guide:
What to watch for
So far, so good for Argentina in their World Cup defence. Messi and his team maintained a perfect record through the group stage, scoring eight goals and conceding just one in the process. On the basis of what they have shown so far, La Albiceleste will take some stopping. Their game is functioning well.
Cape Verde have made history at every turn this summer. Not just content with qualifying for their first World Cup, the Blue Sharks will now play their first World Cup knockout match against the defending champions. Cape Verde kept Spain and Uruguay at arm’s length and will aim to do the same against Argentina.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina – The Goat has been in top form so far, scoring six goals in just three games. Even at 39, Messi is unmatched when it comes to deciding a match at the elite level. There’s no one like him.
