Defending World Cup champion Argentina and Lionel Messi are pushed to the limit in extra time before edging tiny Cape Verde 3-2 in an instant classic.

Lionel Messi, at age 39, leads the World Cup Golden Boot race with seven goals after his first-half goal vs. Cape Verde on Friday in Miami.

Argentina's bid to become the first nation since Brazil more than 60 years ago to win back-to-back World Cups heads into the knockout rounds on Friday, as Lionel Messi and Co., face tournament darlings Cape Verde in Miami on Wednesday (6 pm ET).

Argentina vs. Cape Verde: Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Live for Free

Lionel Messi and Argentina meet Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32, and you can follow the action live with ESPN.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the Argentina vs. Cape Verde World Cup match, including where to watch on TV or live stream, what time the game starts and more.

Lionel Messi is back in the spotlight at the World Cup 2026 as Argentina faces Cape Verde in the last 32 on Friday. MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 TV schedule, full list of games June 26, 2026;

Algeria faces Austria in a Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday, June 27 — here’s how to watch. Watch live on FS1 or Telemundo at 10 p.m. ET, for FREE through DIRECTV or Fubo when you start a free trial FOX Sports is the exclusive home of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s English-language coverage.

Cape Verde looks to pull off the greatest upset in history against Messi and Argentina. Follow along live

Egypt takes on World Cup defending champion Argentina Tuesday. Their success in making it to the round of 16 has electrified fans throughout the Middle East.