Argentina vs. Cabo Verde—World Cup: Live Score and Match Stats

The 87th match of the 2026 World Cup sees Lionel Messi return to Miami.

Argentina and Cabo Verde is not the matchup many expected to see. | Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images (Argentina), Michael Regan/FIFA/Getty Images (Hard Rock Stadium), Tempo Sport (Cabo Verde)

Two of the biggest storylines of the 2026 World Cup collide as Argentina takes on Cabo Verde in the Round of 32.

For Argentina, the spotlight has once again been on Lionel Messi, whose six goals—including a hat trick against Algeria—have shown why he remains one of the world’s best. Cabo Verde, meanwhile, has been the tournament’s surprise package, reaching the knockout stage unbeaten after draws with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in its World Cup debut.

The numbers favor Argentina: eight goals, 6.55 xG, a 23% shot conversion rate and 91% pass accuracy. But Cabo Verde has built its run on defensive discipline, committing the fewest fouls of any team while keeping two clean sheets. If it can frustrate Messi and stay organized, another upset cannot be ruled out.

Live Match Tracker

Match Momentum

Match Stats

Lineups

Match Summary

READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FC

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Published 13 hours ago | Modified 13 hours ago

TOBY CUDWORTH

Toby Cudworth is Lead Editor for SI FC. A Premier League, EFL and UEFA accredited journalist, Cudworth is a graduate of the University of Gloucestershire, where he studied Broadcast Journalism. He previously worked for 90min as a writer, academy manager, editor and eventually content lead, before joining Sports Illustrated in May 2025. A lifelong supporter of West Ham United, he still can’t quite believe they won a European trophy and feels nature is healing now that results have slipped back into the yo-yo patterns of the last 30 years.

Home/Soccer