CAPE Verde have etched their name into FIFA World Cup history after becoming only the second African nation, alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles, to score more than one goal against Argentina in a World Cup match, despite suffering a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to the two-time world champions in the Round of 32 of the ongoing 2026 tournament in Miami.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that while the Blue Sharks matched Nigeria’s long-standing feat against Argentina, the Super Eagles still retain the unique distinction of being the only African side to score more than once against a reigning world champion at the FIFA World Cup.
Making their maiden appearance at the World Cup, Cape Verde also became the first African nation in the tournament’s history to score more than one goal against a defending world champion.
The debutants twice fought back to level the scores against Lionel Messi-led Argentina before eventually bowing out after an entertaining encounter that extended into extra time.
Deroy Duarte restored parity for Cape Verde in the 59th minute after Messi had opened the scoring for Argentina, forcing the contest into extra time.
Argentina regained the advantage early in extra time through Lisandro Martinez, but Cape Verde once again demonstrated remarkable resilience as Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home a superb equaliser in the 103rd minute to make it 2-2.
However, the Blue Sharks’ hopes of producing one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history were dashed in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header took a decisive deflection off defender Diney Borges before finding the back of the net, sealing Argentina’s passage to the last 16.
By scoring twice against the South American giants, Cape Verde became only the second African nation to achieve the feat in a FIFA World Cup match, following Nigeria’s memorable performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Eagles’ historic achievement came during their final Group F fixture against Argentina at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on June 25, 2014.
On that occasion, Ahmed Musa produced one of the finest individual performances by a Nigerian at the World Cup, scoring twice in an enthralling 3-2 defeat that nevertheless secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time since the 1998 edition.
Argentina had taken the lead inside the opening three minutes through Lionel Messi, only for Musa to respond almost immediately with a curling finish after receiving a pass from Michael Babatunde.
The goal remains Nigeria’s fastest-ever response to conceding in a FIFA World Cup match.
Messi restored Argentina’s advantage shortly before the interval with a spectacular free-kick, but Musa once again drew Nigeria level just two minutes after the restart following a brilliant combination with Emmanuel Emenike.
The contest was eventually decided three minutes later when Marcos Rojo converted from close range following a corner kick, handing Argentina a 3-2 victory as the Albiceleste progressed as group winners, while Nigeria advanced to the Round of 16 as runners-up.
Despite finishing on the losing side, Musa’s outstanding brace earned him the Man of the Match award ahead of Lionel Messi.
Years after that memorable encounter, Messi reportedly described the Nigerian forward as one of the finest players he had faced, a remark that has continued to resonate in football circles.
Twelve years after Nigeria’s unforgettable performance in Brazil, Cape Verde have now produced a similarly courageous display against Argentina.
The achievement comes after the tournament debutants impressed during the group stage with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before pushing the defending champions to the limit in Miami.
Their spirited performance has inevitably drawn comparisons with Nigeria’s famous 2014 display, with both nations now standing as the only African countries to have scored two or more goals against Argentina in a FIFA World Cup match.