World Cup 2026: Cape Verde's heroic defeat by Argentina in pictures
A photo essay captures Cape Verde's dramatic 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi opened the scoring, but Deroy Duarte equalized for Cape Verde. Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina's lead, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to equalize again. Cristian Romero's deflected header secured the win for Argentina. Cape Verde, with six Netherlands-born players, were eliminated despite a heroic performance.
Key facts
- Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time.
- Lionel Messi scored the opening goal.
- Deroy Duarte equalized for Cape Verde after half-time.
- Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1 for Argentina.
- Sidny Lopes Cabral equalized again for Cape Verde.
- Cristian Romero scored the winning goal via a deflection.
- Cape Verde had six players born in the Netherlands.
- The match was played in Miami.
Entities
Institutions
- Reuters
- ANP/Shutterstock
- AFP/Getty Images
- Getty Images
- AP
Locations
- Miami
- Rotterdam
- Praia