Lionel Messi acknowledged the tough test posed by Cabo Verde after defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic scare to secure a 3-2 extra-time victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.The reigning champions were pushed by tournament debutants in a grappling contest in Florida before eventually sealing their place in the last 16. Speaking after the match, Messi admitted that Argentina were expecting a difficult evening and praised Cabo Verde for their fearless display.“We knew that this would be a very tough match. In the World Cup, nobody gives you anything for free. Now it’s time to rest, learn from today, and focus on the next game. Also, congratulations to Cape Verde for this great performance,” Messi told the media after the win.Messi also highlighted Argentina’s fighting spirit after the team saw Cabo Verde level twice during a thrilling encounter.“As this team has shown many times, and as I have said many times, they compete,” Messi said in Spanish. “And we competed until the end.”Argentina appeared to be in control after Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with his 20th FIFA World Cup goal. Timing his run perfectly, the captain latched on to Lisandro Martinez’s lofted pass before firing into the roof of the net to give La Albiceleste the lead.However, Cape Verde refused to back down. Sidny Lopes Cabral restored parity in regulation time before Lisandro Martinez put Argentina back in front early in extra time. The underdogs struck again through Deroy Duarte to make it 2-2, raising hopes of a famous clash.The decisive moment came in the 111th minute, when Cristian Romero’s header deflected off Diney Borges and into the net for an own goal, sealing Argentina’s place in the Round of 16, where they will face Egypt.Despite the defeat, Cape Verde earned great admiration for one of the best underdog performances in recent World Cup history. Goalkeeper Vozinha made 10 saves, including five from Messi, as the tournament debutants once again showed the resilience that had carried them through an impressive group stage campaign.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also praised the African team after the final whistle.“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Scaloni said. “The truth is, when people say that there is no easy opponent, today (Cape Verde) showed that they are a great team.”Messi’s goal also strengthened his bid for the Golden Boot. The Argentina captain now has seven goals in the tournament, one more than France’s Kylian Mbappé, as he extends his FIFA World Cup scoring record. The strike also marked his 12th goal during his record scoring streak in eight consecutive World Cup matches.