Argentina faces Cape Verde in World Cup round of 32 as Messi seeks back-to-back titles
Argentina opens its knockout campaign against Cape Verde in Miami, with Lionel Messi aiming to help the defending champions become the first team in over six decades to win consecutive World Cups.
Argentina will meet Cape Verde in the round of 32 of the World Cup on Friday at 6 p.m. ET in Miami. The match marks the defending champions' first knockout-stage appearance, five games away from a potential repeat title. Lionel Messi, who scored six goals in the group stage and turned 39 during the tournament, remains among the leading scorers, tied with Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot.
Cape Verde qualified for the knockout round after finishing second in their group, ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The team will look to replicate its opening-match performance against Spain as it faces the reigning champions.
The match is currently 1-0 to Argentina, with Messi scoring in the 29th minute.
"We are focused on the game and will give our best," a spokesperson for the Argentine team said.
"We respect Cape Verde and know they will fight hard," a Cape Verde representative added.
