Former football legends and analysts have showered Cabo Verde with accolades following their valiant effort in a 2-3 defeat against Lionel Messi’s Argentina during the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Deroy Duarte equalized in the 59th minute, pushing the match into extra time.
Lisandro Martinez regained the lead for Argentina with a goal in the 92nd minute of the added period, yet Sidny Lopes Cabral struck back with a powerful shot in the 103rd minute, leveling the score for Cabo Verde.
Regrettably for the Blue Sharks, a late corner taken by Messi was inadvertently redirected into their own goal by Diney in the 111th minute, concluding their remarkable World Cup journey.
The thrilling match sparked remarkable reactions across social media from iconic football figures and analysts alike.
In response to Cabo Verde’s second equalizer, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand commented, “Oh my Cape Verde!!! What a goal WOW.”
In reaction to the same goal, ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore wrote, “Goal of the f**king tournament!! Oh my God!”
Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge claimed, “Cape Verde may not lift the World Cup, but they’re already winners.”
Former Spain and Real Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas wrote, “Just for seeing the joy of the people of Cape Verde, it’s worth it!! How beautiful football is!”
Ex-Germany defender Mats Hummels, who played for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund among others at club level, claimed, “Cape Verde. That was the most impressive game i have ever seen from a big time underdog, my biggest respect.”
After surviving the scare from Cabo Verde, Argentina will face off against Egypt in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7.
2026 World Cup: Rio Ferdinand, Iker Casillas, others react to Cape Verde’s display vs Argentina
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