Lionel Messi recognized Cabo Verde’s tough test after defending champions Argentina overcame a scare to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.The reigning champions were pushed all the way by the tournament’s debutants in a fierce encounter in Florida before finally sealing their place in the last 16. Speaking after the match, Messi admitted that Argentina were expecting a tough night and praised Cabo Verde for their fearless display.“We know it’s a tough game. In the World Cup, nobody gives you anything for free. Now it’s about resting, learning from today, and focusing on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for the great performance,” Messi told the media after the win.Messi also highlighted Argentina’s fighting spirit after the team twice saw Cabo Verde draw level during a thrilling encounter.“As this team has shown many times, and as I have said many times, it competes,” Messi said in Spanish. “And we competed until the end.”Argentina seemed to be in control after Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his 20th career FIFA World Cup goal. Timing his run perfectly, the captain latched on to a long pass from Lisandro Martinez before blasting into the roof of the net to give La Albiceleste the lead.However, Cabo Verde refused to back down. Sidny Lopes Cabral restored parity in regulation time before Lisandro Martinez put Argentina ahead early in extra time. The underdogs scored again through Deroy Duarte to make it 2-2, raising hopes of a famous upset.The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Diney Borges and into the net for an own goal, sealing Argentina’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.Despite the loss, Cabo Verde earned widespread praise for one of the best underdog performances in recent World Cup history. Goalkeeper Vozinha made 10 saves, including five from Messi, as the tournament debutants once again showed the resilience that led them to an impressive campaign in the group stage.Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni also praised the African side after the final whistle.“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say that nothing is easy. against, today (Cape Verde) proved that they are a good team.”Messi’s goal also strengthened his desire for the Golden Boot. The Argentina captain now has seven goals in the tournament, one more than France’s Kylian Mbappé, while extending his all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record. The strike also marked his 12th goal during his record-breaking run of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.