Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul lead Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage as they face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Argentina, one of the tournament favourites, have navigated the group stage and now turn their attention to the challenge posed by the African nation.
Cape Verde have punched well above their weight to reach this stage, earning their place in the knockout rounds through a determined group campaign.
Messi, playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, carries the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders once again.
The Inter Miami forward has been a central figure for Argentina throughout the tournament, pulling the strings in midfield and attack with characteristic brilliance.
De Paul, Messi’s club and international teammate, provides the engine room in the Argentine midfield and will be crucial to controlling the tempo of the match.
Argentina’s squad is packed with quality throughout, and their ability to grind out results when not at their best sets them apart from many of their rivals.
Cape Verde, however, will not be intimidated by the occasion and have shown throughout qualification and the group stage that they are a well-organised and dangerous side.
The West African nation’s players compete across leagues in Europe and bring genuine professional pedigree to this World Cup campaign, making them a credible threat.
Argentina will be expected to advance, but knockout football at a World Cup has a habit of defying expectations, and Cape Verde will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Both teams know that a single mistake at this stage can end a World Cup dream, and the pressure of the knockout format adds an extra layer of intensity to proceedings.
Fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether Messi and Argentina can continue their march toward a potential second consecutive World Cup title.
