The thrilling match in which the Argentine national team beat Cape Verde 3-2 at the 2026 World Cup left a snapshot that went around the world. It wasn’t a goal from La Scaloneta or a save from Dibu: it was the madness of Sidny Lopes Cabral, the Cape Verdean full-back who temporarily equalized the match and then headed into the stands to celebrate with his girlfriend.
It was the 103rd minute of extra time when Lopes Cabral picked up the ball on the left, shook off Mac Allister, and from the edge of the area unleashed a right-footed shot that curled into the top left corner of Emiliano Martínez’s goal. Impossible for Dibu. A wonder goal. But the best was yet to come: the 23-year-old sprinted like crazy toward the stands, jumped the fence, and embraced his partner, who was waiting among the crowd. The images, captured by ESPN cameras, show the girlfriend rushing down the stairs to meet him, while Cape Verdean fans erupted in joy.
The goal, which many are already calling the best of the tournament, was not enough to prevent Cape Verde’s defeat: Argentina eventually won 3-2 with a header from Cuti Romero in the second half of extra time. But Lopes Cabral’s moment was etched into everyone’s memory. The full-back, who trained in Portuguese football and was just transferred to Trabzonspor in Turkey for a multi-million dollar fee, showed he has not only legs but also heart.
«He’s a kid who plays with his soul. I saw him running and knew he was heading to the stands. That’s his way of celebrating, with the people who follow him everywhere,» commented a member of Cape Verde’s coaching staff, who preferred to remain anonymous. The image of the embrace with his girlfriend has already gone viral on social media, with thousands of views and comments praising the tenderness of the moment.
The match, which had everything, also sparked controversy: some Argentine fans criticized Lopes Cabral’s attitude for «disrespecting» the home team, but most saw it as a display of genuine passion. «It’s football, not a war. Let him celebrate however he wants,» read a tweet. The fact is that the 2026 World Cup already has its first iconic image, and it’s not of Messi or Mbappé: it’s of a Cape Verdean full-back who dared to do it all.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Search for the codes on Mercado Libre.
Para mí es una falta de respeto total que un negro de mierda se suba a la tribuna a festejar un gol contra Argentina como un salvaje. Encima perdió, festejó al pedo. Esto huele a falta de educación y dignidad. ¡Vamos Argentina carajo!
Para mí esto es un circo, loco. Un tipo de Cabo Verde hace un gol y todos locos, mientras acá los jubilados se mueren de hambre. La FIFA y la AFA unos vendepatria, seguro que Sidny cobra en bananas y la mina le pidió un iPhone. Viva la izquierda, carajo, esto huele a choreo mundial.