Add The New York Post on Google Lionel Messi is back in Miami for the World Cup Round of 32 as Argentina faces Cape Verde with a ticket to the Round of 16 on the line.
The Inter Miami and La Albiceleste captain has six goals over three games, including his first career World Cup hat trick, as Argentina went undefeated in the group stage to finish first in Group J. It’s been a history-making tournament for Messi, who is playing in his sixth career World Cup. This year, he broke the all-time World Cup goals record and became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Cape Verde became one of the 2026 World Cup’s Cinderella stories as it became the smallest country to ever reach the knockouts. The Tubarões Azuis opened the tournament against heavy favorite Spain, but held them to a shocking 0-0 draw. All three of Cape Verde’s group stage matches ended in draws: 2-2 against Uruguay and 0-0 against Saudi Arabia. It was enough to qualify them as one of the top eight third-place finishers.
The winner of today’s match advances to the Round of 16, where they’ll face either Australia or Egypt on July 7.
Here’s everything you need to know about Argentina-Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup.
Today’s (July 3) Argentina vs. Cape Verde Round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
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More coverage on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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