Lionel Messi returns to Miami today to lead 2026 World Cup favorites Cape Verde and Argentina in the first round of the knockout stages.
The Inter Miami star has scored six goals in the first three games of the tournament for the reigning world champions and will look to build on that tally to maintain his record for most goals in World Cup history. This will not be Argentina’s first big match at the Hard Rock Stadium (also known as the “Miami Stadium” under FIFA rules), as an injured Messi missed the Albiceleste’s victory until the end of the thrilling Copa America final against Colombia here in 2024.
Cape Verde, the smallest country in history to reach the finals, will be hoping to contain Messi and continue his magical World Cup debut. The African nation advanced despite not winning a single game in the group stage. If you want to move on, you have to change that. The Palm Beach Post brings you the latest game news, scores and highlights. follow me.
Watch Argentina vs Cape Verde live at the World Cup
Argentina vs. Cape Verde score updates
6pm ET | Fox, Telemundo | Fubo (Free Trial), Peacock
A.R.G. | 1 — 1 | CPV – 65 minutes
Kevin Pina drags Lionel Messi down in midfield, leading to Lionel Messi’s second free kick of the game. His strike hit the wall and the ball was cleared.
Messi and Argentina are looking for a response to the inspired Cape Verde.
Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the game and it looked like Argentina would soon regain the lead, but Bosinha loomed large to stop Messi and keep him at bay.
Another great save from one of the World Cup’s biggest stories.
Cape Verde’s well-executed teamwork ended with a goal from the feet of Deroy Duarte. Ryan Mendez, on the right flank, weaved his way through defenders and found Duarte, who calmly brushed past Emiliano Martinez and fired into the top corner.
The first half started brightly for Cape Verde, with Emiliano Martinez making his first save of the match. Deroy Duarte’s long-range shot went through the crowded penalty area, but it was easily saved by Martinez.
The first half ended with neither team taking a corner kick, but in the 48th minute Cape Verde won the first corner kick of the match.
The service was cleared, but Jovan Cabral’s quick shot was deflected, giving Cape Verde an extra corner kick.
Neither coach chooses to make any changes at halftime, and the second half begins in Miami.
Lionel Messi’s 20th World Cup goal was scored with a deftly controlled touch, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead at half-time. Argentina were in control for much of the first half, but Cape Verde showed some signs of things to come.
Messi, as usual, looks like a threat every time he touches the ball.
For the first time since Lionel Messi’s goal, Argentina had complete control of the match. Sharp passing and solid defense prevented Cape Verde from trying to equalize.
Who else is there? Lionel Messi took a pass from Lisandro Martinez, picked the ball out of the air with a great first touch, and fired a shot past Bosinha into the goal, giving Argentina the lead.
He has now scored in five consecutive knockout games and eight consecutive World Cup games. Messi became the first player in the history of the Men’s World Cup to score 20 goals.
There is no fear for Cape Verde, who entered the first rehydration break without a goal against Argentina.
It was a tense start for the World Cup holders, with their only chance coming from a Messi free-kick and a trailing shot. Cape Verde are getting a significant share of the ball compared to expectations (39%) and are showing some dangerous signs on the counter-attack.
Cape Verde’s Jovan Cabral was called for a foul after challenging Lionel Messi in midfield. Messi’s free kick from about 25 yards was not powerful enough and was easily saved by Bosinha.
Lionel Messi found a little space in the penalty area, accelerated past defenders and fired a shot, but it rolled wide of the goal and resulted in a goal kick.
It was Argentina’s first shot of the match.
Cape Verde started confidently in the first 10 minutes and probably had better chances than they had in this match so far.
The show of confidence comes from Cape Verde’s sensational goalkeeper Vosinha, who turned back a false clearance to release Lautaro Martinez.
It’s still early and Argentina will probably start to step up, but the Blue Sharks have been strong from the start.
A foul on Rodrigo de Paul allowed Cape Verde to take a free kick into the box, nailing the World Cup holders in their own half and allowing them to retain possession for a period of time.
Cape Verde showed no fear in the early stages of this match.
The penultimate round of 32 match of the 2026 World Cup is underway with Cape Verde progressing.
Winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde will play against Egypt
The Egyptians defeated Australia in a penalty shootout in Dallas and will await the winner of Argentina and Cape Verde in the round of 16.
Will Ryan Mendez play for Cape Verde today?
Forward Ryan Mendez, captain of Cape Verde’s World Cup team, will start tonight’s Round of 32 match against defending champion Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium. Mendez played in all three of the Blue Sharks’ group stage games, but did not score or assist. According to Brazilian News Agency, Mendes is being investigated for rape in New Zealand. Globo. Mendes is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked as an interpreter for the team during a visit to New Zealand.
Argentina’s starting lineup for today’s game against Cape Verde
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandes, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada
Cape Verde: Voginha, Dinny Borges, Pico López, Sidney López Cabral, Steven Moreira, Kevin Pina, Jovan Cabral, Deroy Duarte, Nuno da Costa, Ryan Mendez
What is the weather like for Argentina vs. Cape Verde in Miami?
The current temperature in Miami Gardens, where the decisive battle between Argentina and Cape Verde will be held, is 90 degrees and feels like 105 degrees. Game night is expected to be a hot and humid night, with kickoff temperatures expected to reach 86 degrees at 6 p.m.
What time is the match between Argentina and Cape Verde today?
- date: Friday, July 3rd
- Start time: 6pm Eastern Time
Argentina vs Cape Verde TV channel, live stream
- tv set: Fox (English) | Telemundo (Spanish)
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial version) | Peacock (Spanish)
Where is Argentina playing in the World Cup today?
The World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be played at Miami Stadium, also known as Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and college football’s Miami Hurricanes.
Argentina vs Cape Verde announcer
- Fox: John Strong (commentary), Stu Holden (analyst)
- Telemundo: Andres Cantor (commentary), Omar Zelon (analyst)
Argentina vs. Cape Verde predictions
- Seth Bartelny, USA TODAY: Argentina 3, Cape Verde 0
- Luis Miguel Echegaray, Fox Sports: Argentina 2, Cape Verde 0
- Dom Farrell, Sporting News: Argentina 4, Cape Verde 0
- Saye Omidiola, Sports Mall: Argentina 2, Cape Verde 0
- RotoWire: Argentina 2, Cape Verde 0
- Dimers.com: Argentina 2, Cape Verde 0
world cup schedule
Let’s take a look at today’s World Cup matches. Always east.
- 2pm: Australia vs Egypt (Dallas)
- 6pm: Argentina vs. Cape Verde (Miami) | Fox/Telemundo | Fubo (Free Trial)
- 9:30pm: Colombia vs. Brazil Ghana (Kansas City) | Fox/TV | Fubo (Free Trial)
world cup miami match
After today, there are still two World Cup games scheduled at Hard Rock Stadium, ending with the third-place match on July 18th.
- July 11th: Quarterfinals (Brazil-Norway winner vs. Mexico-England winner) | 5:00 PM ET
- July 18th: Bronze Final (Semifinal 1 runner-up vs. Semifinal 2 runner-up) | 5:00 PM ET
Buy World Cup Tickets in Miami
Messi’s World Cup goal
Argentina international and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has scored a World Cup record 19 goals in six appearances. He ranks among the all-time greats of the World Cup:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina Men): 19*
- Kylian Mbappé (France Men): 18*
- Marta (Brazilian female): 17*
- Miroslav Klose (Germany): 16
- Ronaldo (Brazil Men): 15
*- active streak
Where is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is a country of islands located several hundred miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa. With a population of about 525,000 (about 50,000 fewer than the least populous state, Wyoming), Cape Verde is the third smallest country to qualify for the World Cup and the smallest to reach the final round.
Who is Vosinya?
The Blue Sharks’ opening game against Cape Verde and World Cup favorites Spain ended in a 0-0 draw, thanks in part to the efforts of goalkeeper Bosinha, who turned 40 years old a few weeks before the start of the tournament. Bosinha made seven saves in the game and 10 in the tournament. His mother was unable to see her star player in action as she could not afford a visa, but was granted one to come to Miami to watch her son’s second World Cup match in person.
Argentina soccer player list 2026
Lionel Messi’s Argentina men’s national team has 17 players who were part of the team that won in Qatar in 2022. See the full squad for the Argentina World Cup.
argentina schedule
Here’s a look at Argentina’s recent play and their potential path to the World Cup finals. Always east.
- June 16th: Argentina 3, Algeria 0 | Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)
- June 22: Argentina 2, Austria 0 | AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium)
- June 27th: Argentina 3, Jordan 1 | AT&T Stadium (Dallas Stadium)
- July 3rd: Argentina vs. Cape Verde | 6pm | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium)
- July 7th: Round 16 | Noon | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium)
- July 11th: Quarterfinals | 9:00 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium)
- July 15th: Semifinals | 3:00 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium)
- July 19th: Final episode | 3:00 p.m. | MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium)
Cape Verde Soccer Team Players 2026
Cape Verde will make its first World Cup appearance in 2026. See the full Cape Verde World Cup squad.
Cape Verde schedule
Let’s take a look at how Cape Verde did in the World Cup.
- June 15th: Spain 0, Cape Verde 0 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium)
- June 21st: Uruguay 2, Cape Verde 2 | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium)
- June 26th: Cape Verde 0, Saudi Arabia 0 | NRG Stadium (Houston Stadium)
