Lionel Messi explains how Argentina must improve after surviving Cape Verde shock

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The Independent

4 July 2026

Lionel Messi has outlined how

Argentina

need to improve in ‘many’ areas following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde after extra time in the

World Cup

2026 last-32.

Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute before a Cape Verde equaliser just before the hour mark took the match to extra time as the Argentines were unable to force a winning goal. Lisandro Martinez took them back ahead only for them to be reeled in once more by Sidny Lopes Cabral.

But, and own goal by Diney, deflected past talismanic goalkeeper Vozinha, was enough to send

through against the inspired African nation.

"Today, we put in a huge effort, as always, playing well and playing badly, just like we always say," Messi said after the game.

"But I think the important thing now is to rest, think about what's coming next and try to take positives from today's game. Beyond just qualifying, I think there are positives because we did some good things, and we also need to correct the bad ones, which I think were many today as well."

Cape Verde made history at the

by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout round of the tournament. By comparison, the country's population of 525,000 inhabitants is fewer than that of each of the 50 US states.

And Messi praised Cape Verde’s ability to frustrate his team throughout the match.

"We knew it was going to be a very tough match; this team hadn't lost to Spain and Uruguay for a reason,” he explained.

open image in gallery

Lionel Messi and

celebrated their win over Cape Verde (Getty)

“We did the hardest part, which was finding the first goal. We thought that from then on, we would start to find our game and be more relaxed, but it was the complete opposite.

“We lost the ball, we sat back, we couldn't pressure them well, and they struck with their strengths. We knew it was going to be difficult; this is a knockout tournament, and nobody gives you anything for free.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy at all, and that's what this

, in particular, is all about. It's very evenly matched, very complicated, and every game is going to be extremely difficult."

Messi took a knock to his head which may impact his availability for Argentina's next game (Reuters)

Argentina’s captain may also be an injury doubt for their next game, where they will face Egypt at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday, after he was seen with a swelling bruise on hie forehead. The influential attacker took a knee to the head last in the game against Cape Verde and needed an ice pack to reduce the swelling.

Despite the knock he completed the full 120 minutes and guided his team through to the next round.

Lionel Messi's historic World Cup continues against Cape Verde

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