Cabo Verde push Argentina to extra time in 3–2 World Cup exit

Argentina 3–2 Cabo Verde: your team went out swinging

Cabo Verde pushed Argentina to extra time on Friday night and nearly pulled off the unthinkable. Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martínez scored for Argentina, but Sidny Lopes Cabral and Willy Semedo got your goals in a 3–2 thriller (4) (5). Cabral's strike was a beauty, enough to push Argentina to the brink (4).

Vozinha out-dribbled Cristiano Ronaldo at this World Cup

Yes, you read that right. Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha completed more dribbles at the 2026 World Cup than Cristiano Ronaldo managed for Portugal (6). A statistical footnote that says everything about how your team played: fearless, front-foot, no deference to reputation.

Semedo: 'no matter the result, Cabo Verde won'

Nélson Semedo put it simply after the final whistle: "Independentemente do resultado, Cabo Verde venceu", no matter the result, Cabo Verde won (1). He also spoke about the confidence in the squad heading into the knockout round and called Nuno Mendes a "botija de oxigénio", an oxygen tank for the team (2).

Willy Semedo: 'we did something good for Africa'

Willy Semedo was candid after the match. "We tried to do our best to make not only our country proud but also Africa, and I think we did something good" (4). That quote will stick.

Messi congratulated the Blue Sharks

After the final whistle, Lionel Messi went out of his way to congratulate Cabo Verde's players (8). Vozinha admitted the sadness of the defeat but said the team put together a great World Cup campaign (8).

Fan reactions

Cabo Verde fans online are holding their heads high. The mood is pure pride, no bitterness about the exit, just celebration of the run. One moment getting love: coach Bubista's tradition of presenting a pennant to the opposing coach before every match, even on the World Cup stage. See the thread here.