Cabo Verde produced a spirited second-half fightback to draw level with Argentina after Deroy Duarte cancelled out Lionel Messi's opener in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Friday.
Argentina dominated the opening half and took the lead in the 29th minute when Messi latched onto a lofted pass from Lisandro Martínez before blasting a right-footed finish into the roof of the net.
The South Americans looked in control after the break, but Cabo Verde gradually grew into the contest and nearly equalised in the 54th minute when Duarte's low effort was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martínez.
The equaliser arrived five minutes later. Ryan Mendes squared the ball into the box for Duarte, who calmly fired into the bottom-left corner to stun the world champions and make it 1-1.
Messi had earlier threatened from a free-kick and Enzo Fernández also forced a fine save from goalkeeper Vozinha, but Argentina were left to rue their missed chances as Cabo Verde mounted an impressive comeback.
With just over an hour played, the Round of 32 tie remained finely poised at 1-1.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Argentina / Cabo Verde
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