Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, edged past underdogs Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic World Cup clash to book their place in the Round of 16.
The reigning champions were pushed to the limit as Cape Verde produced a spirited performance that nearly delivered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.
Messi opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a composed finish after controlling the ball expertly, giving Argentina an early advantage.
However, Cape Verde refused to back down, with Deroy Duarte equalising in the 60th minute to put the South American giants under pressure in the hot Miami conditions.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead early in extra time, but Sidny Lopes Cabral responded with a stunning strike into the top corner to level the match once again.
The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Messi delivered a corner that led to an own goal by Diney Borges after a Cristian Romero header.
Argentina will now face Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday, although coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to address several concerns despite securing progression.
Cape Verde, who impressed throughout the tournament by holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H, bowed out with pride after a historic debut World Cup run.
