By Toby TAIWO

What a match! In the end Argentina won, but it was the tiny African country Cape Verde that got the loudest ovation.

The whole stadium stood still for them in sheer memory of the gallant fight they put up against defending champions Argentina.

The match went into the wire with the debutant pushing to the extreme end before Argentina won 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead with his seventh goal of the tournament, climbing to first in the race for the Golden Boot.

Cape Verde responded brilliantly after the break, drawing level in the 59th minute and maintaining the draw to force extra time.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead just two minutes into extra time.

However, Cape Verde refused to give up, with substitute Lopes Cabral producing a stunning finish in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2 and stun the Argentine supporters.

With the match heading for penalty shootout, Argentina found a breakthrough in the second half of extra time when Cape Verde conceded an unfortunate own goal.

The Blue Sharks bowed out of their first ever World Cup in style, getting draws against strong nations like Spain, Uruguay and Argentina.

Argentina will now take on Egypt in the Round of 16 as they continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup title.