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Sport: SoccerCountry: SpainCategory: Scores & Results

Lionel Messi highlights areas for Argentina improvement after narrow win

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 7:51 AM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

Lionel Messi highlights areas for Argentina improvement after narrow win
Summary

Argentina advanced to the last-16 of the World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde on July 4, 2026. Messi opened the scoring, but Cape Verde equalized, leading to extra time. Argentina regained the lead before a late equalizer forced a decisive own goal. Messi emphasized the need to address several shortcomings despite the win and acknowledged Cape Verde's strong performance. He also sustained a head injury that cast doubt on his availability for their next match against Egypt in Atlanta on July 7.

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By the Numbers
  • •Argentina won 3-2 against Cape Verde in the last-32 round.
  • •Messi scored the opening goal before Cape Verde equalized twice.
  • •An own goal by Diney secured Argentina's progression.
  • •Messi discussed the need for improvement in the team's performance.
  • •He sustained a head injury and is uncertain for the next match against Egypt.
Latest Updates
  • 7:51 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi explains how Argentina must improve after surviving Cape Verde shock
What they're saying
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The world champions scraped into the last-16 after a 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday night

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