Cape Verde's debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to a heartbreaking end on Friday night at Miami Stadium, as Lionel Messi and Argentina edged out the Blue Sharks 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32. Yet the manner of their departure left a lasting impression on the football world.

The defeat was gut-wrenching. Cape Verde had pushed the reigning champions to the very limit, fuelled by two stunning equalisers — including a breathtaking strike from fullback Sidny Lopes Cabral that will be remembered as one of the goals of the tournament.

Cabral's promise fulfilled

Before kick-off, Lopes Cabral had made a private vow: if he scored against Argentina, he would run to his family in the stands. He kept that promise in the 103rd minute, cutting inside midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and unleashing a thunderbolt from just inside the left side of the 18-yard box that flew into the top right corner.