Cape Verde made their historic World Cup debut in 2026, but their run ended on Friday night with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time loss to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.

The African newcomers challenged the world champions with a bold performance that won them plenty of respect. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha also stood out with another strong showing in goal.

Vozinha made several impressive saves against Argentina, boosting his reputation as one of the tournament’s top goalkeepers.

Argentina took the lead in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi finished off a well-placed pass from Lisandro Martínez with a powerful shot into the top of the net.

Cape Verde kept pressing forward and created chances. Vozinha stopped Messi’s free-kick with a great save, then made another key stop just before halftime to block Enzo Fernández’s low shot.

The Blue Sharks tied the game in the 59th minute when Ryan Mendes passed to Deroy Duarte, who calmly scored in the bottom corner. Earlier, Duarte had forced a save from Emiliano Martínez with a strong shot from distance.

Argentina kept attacking, but Vozinha saved Cape Verde several times. He stopped Messi’s close-range shot in the 63rd minute, a tough free-kick in the 72nd, and another chance late in stoppage time.

Extra time was full of excitement. Lisandro Martínez put Argentina ahead again in the 92nd minute, scoring from close range after a corner.

Cape Verde answered back in the 103rd minute when Sidny Lopes Cabral blasted a long-range shot into the top corner, tying the game at 2-2.

Messi kept leading Argentina’s attacks, but Vozinha stayed strong until the 111th minute. Then, Messi’s corner found Cristian Romero, who scored with a header to send Argentina to the Round of 16.

Cape Verde’s World Cup run ended in disappointment, but the team can be proud of their memorable debut. The Blue Sharks earned strong results against Spain and Uruguay and pushed Argentina to extra time in their last match.