Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup in Miami — a matchup that very few predicted before the tournament began. While most expected the South Americans to advance comfortably from their group, almost nobody anticipated Cape Verde making it this far.

The island nation delivered one of the genuine shocks of the group stage, going unbeaten against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to finish second in their group behind the Spanish. Their run has become one of the most compelling stories of the tournament.

Messi closing in on a landmark

Argentina's World Cup campaign has revolved heavily around Lionel Messi, and that is unlikely to change in Miami. The 39-year-old from Rosario has shown no signs of fading on the global stage — and should he find the net against Cape Verde, he will become the first player in World Cup history to score 20 goals at the tournament.

Messi was rested during Argentina's final group match against Jordan, meaning he arrives into the knockout rounds fresher than usual. That is hardly the news Cape Verde's coaching staff were hoping to hear.

Cape Verde's spirit against an irresistible force

Cape Verde's fighting spirit and clever use of diaspora recruitment have been among the enduring narratives of this World Cup. They will be desperate to produce another upset — and the occasion, a knockout clash against arguably the greatest footballer of all time, will provide all the motivation they need.

Nevertheless, the gap in quality is difficult to ignore. Argentina are too strong for a side of Cape Verde's level, with or without Messi in the lineup. With him, the task for the islanders becomes close to impossible.

What comes next for Argentina

Argentina's potential path through this bracket is among the most favourable of any top contender. A win over Cape Verde would set up a last-16 encounter against Australia or Egypt, followed by a likely quarter-final against one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana.

For now, the focus is on Miami — where Argentina are widely expected to record a first World Cup defeat for Cape Verde. The prediction here is a comfortable Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde, with Messi very much the centre of the story.