Messi Magic Rescues Argentina in Extra-Time Thriller

Argentina scraped through to the World Cup last 16 with a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde on Friday, according to Reuters and Sky Sports, in what was nearly the greatest shock in tournament history. The reigning champions were twice pegged back by the lowest-ranked nation ever to reach the knockout stage, before an own goal from Diney Borges off a Cristian Romero header finally settled the contest.

Lionel Messi was at the heart of everything for Argentina, with Reuters noting that the Albiceleste are leaning on him at virtually every critical juncture, a dependency that borders on faith. It was his delivery that led to the decisive moment, finding Romero's run for the deflected winner.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was overseeing his 100th match in charge, told reporters the result was a reminder that no knockout game is straightforward. "What does it mean to be Argentine? To suffer," he said, per Reuters.

For Cape Verde, a nation of 600,000 people, it was a heartbreaking but magnificent exit. Their coach Bubista told reporters his players showed "dignity and courage" across 120 minutes against the world champions, and that the emotion in the dressing room showed the team has a soul.