Cabo Verde's Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Run Praised by Fans After Elimination vs. Messi, Argentina

Cabo Verde's incredible, inspiring and dramatic FIFA World Cup run concluded Friday after a phenomenal effort against powerhouse Argentina, which got a huge scare before earning a hard-fought 3-2 extra-time win in the Round of 32.

Cabo Verde, a country with a population of 530,000 making its World Cup debut this year, got people's attention after a 0-0 draw with Spain to open its tournament. They then earned a draws against Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0) to finish second in Group H.

That earned Cabo Verde a matchup with defending World Cup champions Argentina and Lionel Messi, who entered the match having scored six goals in three group contests.

Despite being massive underdogs, Cabo Verde hung tough, leveling the match at one in the second half then two in extra time before Argentina earned the game-winner off a corner kick in the 111th minute.

Understandably so, many people praised Cabo Verde's unforgettable and historical performance, which brought much joy to fans worldwide.

Cabo Verde put itself in position for a miracle victory.

Deroy Duarte knotted the score at one after Ryan Mendes' nutmeg found him in the 59th minute.

Lisandro Martínez scored early in extra time to give Argentina the 2-1 lead.

However, Cabo Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral soon scored what might go down as the best goal of this World Cup, firing a shot outside the box toward the far post and in for the 2-2 tie in the 103rd minute.

Argentina scored in the 111th minute after Lionel Messi's corner kick soon led to a own goal.

However, Cabo Verde will not soon be forgotten after authoring one of the greatest underdog stories in World Cup history.