The Argentine national team prepares for an unprecedented duel against Cape Verde, in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The match will be played this Friday at 7 p.m. (Argentine time) at the Miami Stadium, broadcast live on DSports, Telefe, TyC Sports, TV Pública, Disney+ Premium and Paramount+.
Lionel Scaloni’s team arrives with a perfect record after beating Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0 and Jordan 3-1. Lionel Messi is the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, including a hat-trick and a brace. The other Argentine goals were scored by Giovanni Lo Celso (free kick) and Lautaro Martínez (penalty).
On the other side, Cape Verde surprised the world by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay in the group stage, which allowed them to qualify as second. Their record against Conmebol teams includes a 2-0 victory over Brazil in 2013 and a 1-2 defeat to Chile in 2011. They have never faced Argentina.
In the pre-match press conference, Scaloni stated that the team «arrives in good form,» but warned that in knockout matches «the margin narrows» and that Cape Verde «will not be easy.» The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was packed with journalists, reflecting the draw that Messi’s team generates.
The city of Miami was dyed sky blue and white. Argentine fans held two flag-waving events at different times, just blocks apart. Beaches, malls and restaurants were filled with Argentine jerseys, in a week that many describe as «the most Argentine in a long time» in South Florida.
The Argentine starting eleven has not yet been confirmed, but the names being mentioned are: Dibu Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González. In Cape Verde, the coach also did not reveal the lineup.
In the last training session, the squad received a visit from musician Andrés Calamaro, who took photos with the players and chatted with Messi. AFA president Claudio «Chiqui» Tapia was also seen in a private conversation with the captain.
Cape Verde’s hope is summed up in a phrase painted on a mural near Varzea beach: «1% chance, 99% faith.» The image of Cesaria Evora kissing the World Cup trophy reflects the spirit of a country that, despite having an amateur championship and players from lower leagues, dreams of pulling off the upset.
Argentina is the big favorite, but this World Cup has already seen surprises: Paraguay eliminated Germany and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands. Cape Verdean fans, supported by the diaspora, hope their team will be the next to strike.
The match promises strong emotions. Messi, who has already scored six goals, will seek to continue expanding his legend. The appointment is at 7 p.m. in Miami, broadcast live for all of Argentina.
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Para mí, Messi es un vendido que juega para la FIFA capitalista, un burgués que se caga en los pueblos oprimidos. Cabo Verde, hermanos, deberían ganarles para humillar al sistema, esto huele a colonialismo deportivo. Viva la lucha antiimperialista, carajo!
Para mí esto huele a choreo de la AFA, gastando guita en vuelos para estos negros de Cabo Verde que ni deberían estar en el Mundial. Messi los va a bailar parado, pero yo creo que es un trámite al pedo. ¡Vamos Argentina, a pasar por encima de estos pobres diablos!