Advertisement
Messi: Games like Cape Verde are what make the World Cup special
04th July, 2026 02:50 PM
Lionel Messi has heaped praise on this year’s African debutant nation following their historic World Cup adventure, stating that the team’s remarkable run in the 2026 tournament was a testament to their growth and quality.
Speaking after Argentina battled to edge out the resilient African side in 3-2 extra time during their Round of 32 encounter in Miami, the maestro acknowledged that the debutants were a truly formidable side.
“Some people might underestimate certain teams… but we knew this was never going to be an easy match. It’s no coincidence that this national team did not lose to Spain or Uruguay,” Messi stated after the entertaining contest at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Messi went on to appreciate the fierce challenge posed by the debutants, who fought back twice from behind to force the clash into extra time.
Special games
“These are knockout matches, and no one gives you anything for free. That’s what makes this World Cup special. Everything is incredibly close, and every single game is extremely difficult,” he added.
The Argentine captain also reserved praise for his teammates for standing beside him and enabling him to continue his record-breaking feats on the global stage.
With his latest strike, Messi broke yet another record, becoming the first player in football history to score in eight consecutive World Cup matches. He also cemented his legacy as the all-time leading assist provider in World Cup history.
“The truth is that I am deeply grateful to my teammates, and I am very happy to compete alongside them,” Messi said. “They are friends. It’s a very beautiful, very united group. It makes me happy to hear all those affectionate words.”
The high-stakes clash marked Messi’s 30th appearance at the World Cup, where he has now scored 20 goals, the most by any player in the history of the tournament.
Messi had initially set Lionel Scaloni’s men on course with a clinical first-half goal before the unyielding African hit back twice to send the game to extra time.
Argentina’s victory booked a round of 16 meeting against Egypt in Atlanta on July 7, 2026.
