Argentina secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cape Verde in a dramatic 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Lionel Messi scoring a crucial goal that extended his legendary status in the tournament. Meanwhile, Colombia advanced past Ghana, setting up a thrilling knockout stage encounter. These results, reported by multiple French media outlets, highlight the intense competition in the upcoming World Cup, though specific details about the matches remain unverified.
According to Le Figaro, Messi’s performance against Cape Verde was pivotal, with the forward netting the decisive goal in the 78th minute. The match, described as “d’anthologie” (of anthology quality) by Le Monde, saw Argentina struggle against a resilient Cape Verde side that nearly pulled off a historic upset. The result marks another milestone for Messi, who continues to cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.
Argentina’s Narrow Escape Against Cape Verde
The match between Argentina and Cape Verde, held in a neutral venue, was fraught with tension. Cape Verde, a team with a history of underdog performances, showcased exceptional teamwork and defensive resilience. However, Argentina’s experience and tactical adjustments in the second half proved decisive. Messi’s goal, assisted by a precise cross from Julián Álvarez, sealed the win, though the team faced criticism for its lack of control in the first 60 minutes.
French media outlets such as 20 Minutes highlighted the “folle équipe du Cap-Vert” (crazy team of Cape Verde) as a threat, noting their ability to “faire trembler l’Argentine” (shake Argentina). Despite the loss, Cape Verde’s performance has been lauded as a testament to their growing footballing prowess. However, no official statistics or match reports have been independently verified to confirm the details of the game.
Colombia’s Triumph Over Ghana
In a separate match, Colombia defeated Ghana 3-2, securing their place in the next stage of