Lionel Messi has criticised Argentinas ball retention and pressing after the holders were taken to extra time by Cape Verde as the underdogs threatened a sensational shock in the World Cup 2026 round of 32. Captain Messi gave his side an early lead with a superb piece of control and finish from Lisandro Martinezs masterful pass, but the World Cup debutants equalised twice and were only beaten by Dineys 111th-minute own goal from the eight-time Ballon dOr winners corner.We thought that would allow us to find our rhythm and relax but it was the complete opposite, Messi said after a record-extending goal in an eighth straight World Cup match.We did the hardest part: scoring the first goal. We lost possession, sat back and couldnt press effectively. They capitalised on their strengths.Table of ContentsArgentina vs Cape Verde analysis: Messi on crucial elementWorld Cup 2026: Lionel Messi injuryArgentina vs Cape Verde: Scaloni praises characterWhen is Lionel Messis next match? Argentina fixturesArgentina vs Cape Verde analysis: Messi on crucial elementThe 39-year-old pointed out that Cape Verde had held reigning European titlists Spain and former world champions Uruguay during an unbeaten group stage.We knew it was going to be difficult, he said. Its a knockout tournament and nobody gives you anything for free.This is what this World Cup teaches you: everything is very evenly matched, very complicated, and every game is going to be extremely difficult.We put in a tremendous effort, as always. The important thing now is to rest, think about whats next, take away the positives and correct the negatives of which there were many.We capitalised on set pieces, which is something we hadnt been doing well lately. In matches like this, its crucial.We have good headers of the ball and, luckily, we were able to take advantage of that. Weve been working on it and it will be important to be strong in that area as well.Its important in a competition like this, and [against Cape Verde] that was demonstrated.World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi injuryInter Miamis Messi had swelling on his forehead after being caught by an opponents knee, but the seven-goal outright top scorer at the finals had the consolation of seeing his team oust the impressive Blue Sharks late on.This team has been proving it time and again: they compete and will continue to compete until the very end, he observed of the island nation.We couldnt pressure them well. The lines were too far away they had the ball and made us run because we couldnt pressure them well.Argentina vs Cape Verde: Scaloni praises characterArgentina head coach Lionel Scaloni justifiably described Sidny Lopes Cabrals curling extra-time equaliser against his team spectacular.I want to congratulate our opponents, said Scaloni. They showed they are a great team. We showed our character.The match was extremely tough, but you always have to take away the positives and this team never gives up.Scaloni acknowledged that he would talk to his players about the negative aspects. But were focusing on the positive, which is never giving up, he added.We took our chances at key moments. We always went out to win the game. Theres always room for improvement, but its important that the team responded in difficult times.We can debate whether we played well or badly, but this team isnt afraid to take charge of the game.When is Lionel Messis next match? Argentina fixturesHere are Argentinas fixtures, results and potential schedule, as well as how to watch in the UK.Asterisk denotes a fixture starts on the previous day in the stated territory.DateMatchResultStageTime (BST)ETPTChannelJune 17Algeria3-0Group02:0021:00*18:00*ITVJune 22Austria2-0Group18:0013:0010:00BBCJune 28Jordan3-1Group03:0022:00*19:00*BBCJuly 3Cape Verde3-2 (AET)Round of 3223:0018:0015:00ITVJuly 7SwitzerlandRound of 1617:0012:0009:00TBCJuly 12TBCQuarter-finals02:0021:0018:00TBCJuly 15TBCSemi-finals20:0015:0012:00TBCJuly 18TBCThird-placed match22:0017:0014:00TBCJuly 19TBCFinal20:0015:0012:00BBC, ITV Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Alexis Mac Allister Argentina National Football Team Cape Verde national football team Cristian Romero Emiliano Martinez Enzo Fernandez FIFA World Cup Julian Alvarez Lionel Messi Lionel Scaloni Rodrigo de Paul World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026 live: Arias goal in Colombia vs Ghana just what the doctor ordered for Lorenzos side Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 England vs Mexico: World Cup 2026 confirmed time and full details after talks over game being moved, latest news and why football bosses wanted Sunday fixture kick off rescheduled Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Colombia vs Ghana confirmed teams and full line ups, TV channel, live online stream and stats Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 Argentina v Cape Verde: World Cup 2026 live commentary, updates, goals and stats as it happened Jon Fisher 4th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde report, result, goals as Lionel Messi sets up winner in absolutely immense last-32 tie Ben Miller 4th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 live: Lionel Messi goal in Argentina vs Cape Verde genius at work after magnificent touch Ben Miller 3rd July, 2026
