Argentina vs Cape Verde LIVE: Fifa World Cup last 32 score, commentary, updates & stats

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Argentina 0-0 Cape Verde

James McFadden

Former Scotland forward on BBC One

It is like a home game for Argentina in here, which is understandable.

The noise and the colour that the Argentinain fans have brought...wow.

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Argentina v Cape Verde (23:0

Elizabeth Conway

BBC Sport Spanish football reporter at Miami Stadium

I have never heard an atmosphere like this. It is absolutely electric.

A big storm cloud lies above the stadium but no storm will ruin this unbelievable atmosphere.

'World Cup is where greatest players are recognised'

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Gary Neville

Former England defender on ITV

The World Cup is where the greatest players are recognised on the world stage and Lionel Messi always was great.

These players are a completely different level, they see things better than everyone else.

The whole of Inter Miami is built around him.

It's been transformational for them and the impact that he has had on the football club has been absolutely huge.

Over to Messi

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Kylian Mbappe will inevitably become the World Cup's all-time leading goal-scorer, but Lionel Messi will be in no hurry to give up the title he has only just claimed himself.

Before this tournament began, Miroslav Klose led the way with 16 World Cup goals.

After scoring six goals apiece already this summer, Messi now tops the standings with 19 while Mbappe is hot on his heels with 18.

Will Messi open up a gap tonight?

Can Vozinha replicate masterclass?

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Cape Verde will need Vozinha to be at his best once again if they are to cause an upset tonight.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed the game of his life to help his side draw 0-0 with European champions Spain on their World Cup debut.

But tonight Vozinha faces perhaps the greatest player in history, 39-year-old Lionel Messi.

'We are playing to win'

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

The president of Cape Verde, Jose Maria Neves, is certainly confident - he's predicted the island nation will defeat the defending world champions 1-0 as they continue to "write their own destiny".

"We are playing to win," he said. "When expectations are low regarding a team, and if that team has the urge to win, it is possible. A small nation like Cape Verde should make an effort to always do that - to permanently surprise people."

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Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Argentina's form coming into this one couldn't be better if they wanted it to be.

Lionel Scaloni's side are 10 matches unbeaten, with their aggregate score in those games 29-2. Their last defeat came away in Ecuador in September 2025.

They haven't conceded more than once in their past 17 matches since a 2-1 loss to Paraguay in Nov 2024, and are looking to become only the third team to score two or more goals in 10 successive World Cup games, following Uruguay (11 games from 1930-54) and Germany (10 games from 1938-58).

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Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Elizabeth Conway

BBC Sport Spanish football reporter at Dallas Stadium

'I saw Messi play in a World Cup'

These Argentina fans cannot believe they're about to see Messi play in the World Cup

The stadium is absolutely packed with Argentina fans, with only a couple of hundred very passionate Cape Verde fans stood above the goal.

The race for the Golden Boot

Lionel Messi has six goals at this World Cup, leaving him level with France's Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot standings.

The latter has two assists though so is currently edging out Messi, with Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Harry Kane close behind with five goals each.

There are three players - who remain in the tournament and have the ability to add more - with four goals.

Will Messi scoring streak continue?

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score in Argentina's 3-1 win against Jordan, becoming the first man in history to score in seven successive World Cup matches (11 goals in total).

Tonight he could become only the fourth man to score in five successive knockout fixtures, alongside Brazilians Leonidas (1934-38) and Vava (1958-62) and Hungary’s Gyorgy Sarosi (1934-38).

Staying up late in the UK?

Argentina v Cape Verde (23:00 BST)

BBC Sounds

If you're not watching, BBC Radio 5 Live commentary from Miami is available on this page and the BBC Sounds app - where you can even set a sleep timer.

All World Cup commentaries, reaction and podcasts - including Sporting Giants: Messi v Ronaldo - are now in one place on Sounds.

To listen, just tap here.

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