Messi and Romero in the Rescue As Argentina Knocks Out Stubborn Cape Varde

A late extra time goal from Christian Romero secured victory for Argentina into the round of 16, knocking out stubborn Cape Vade in a dramatic match played late last night.

Argentina got their first goal in the 29th minute courtesy of Lionel Messy but Cape Vade responded, equalizing through Deroy Duarte strike.

Although Cape Vade were considered underdogs, they threatened early, were good in their set up and tested Emiliano Martinez in the first 10 minutes. Argentina however found their flow kept possessing and strike at the right time.

The dramatic first and second half ended 1-1 with the game called for extra time as both teams continued their attacks. Argentina secured their second goal which was scored by Lisandro Martinez with a lovely smack into the roof of the net. Cape Vade responded again with the strike from Sidny Lopez Cabral who whipped a ball into the top corner to put the score at 2-2.

With few minutes left into extra time Messi whipped a corner right into Romero’s head scoring a winning goal. Cape Vade continued with their pressure; this was close to disaster but Argentina survived.

The defending world cup champions have been drawn with The Pharaohs [ Egypt] in the round of 16. The two teams will flex their muscles for quarter finals qualifications on 7th July 2026 at 7pm EST.

Other teams that have already qualified for round of 16 include Canada, Moroco, Paraguay, France, England, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Norway and USA. Others are Switzerland, Colombia and Belgium.

In the round of 16, Canada will host Moroco, Paraguay will take on France, while Brazil have been drawn with Norway. Mexico on the other hand will try their luck in the quarter finals when they play against England who knocked out DRC Congo in their last encounter.

Christiano Ronaldo's Spain will muscle Spain, Belgium on the other hand have been drawn with USA as Switzerland takes on Colombia.

The round of 16 fixtures have been scheduled from 4th July 2026 to 7th of of July 2026. All the teams who qualifies will meet in the quarter finals of the tournament this month. Which country do you think will be crown champions?