Cape Verde faces Argentina in knockout match as Lopes prepares for Messi
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 7:02 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
Cape Verde will take on Argentina on Friday in Miami for a chance to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup. Having advanced from Group H after draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde is competing in its first World Cup. Defender Roberto Lopes, whose mother expresses confidence in his abilities, will face Lionel Messi, who leads Argentina's attack and has scored six goals in the tournament. While Argentina is favored, Judy Lopes remains optimistic about Cape Verde's chances, emphasizing that anything can happen in football.
- •Cape Verde finished group stages unbeaten, conceding only two goals.
- •The match is set for Friday at 23:00 BST in Miami.
- •Roberto Lopes has significant experience from international and club play.
- •Judy Lopes expressed confidence in her son's composure against Messi.
- 7:02 AMYahoo Sports — Lopes will relish Messi duel, says Cape Verde defender's mother
- 7:02 AMBBC Football — Lopes will relish Messi duel, says Cape Verde defender's mother
"The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.
"The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 7:02 AMLopes will relish Messi duel, says Cape Verde defender's mother
The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.
- BBC FootballJul 2, 2026, 7:02 AMLopes will relish Messi duel, says Cape Verde defender's mother
The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.
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