It was a clash between the world number 2 and the world number 64. On paper, Argentina entered this FIFA World Cup knockout match miles ahead of Cape Verde.

Given Argentina's dominant performance in the three group-stage matches, analysts predicted little trouble for Lionel Messi and company against the tournament debutants.

However, defying all statistics, Cape Verde fought with immense courage against the reigning world champions.

Despite falling behind twice during regular and extra time, Cape Verde equalized both times.

Displaying an unbelievable performance, the first-time World Cup qualifiers truly made the world champions sweat.

But it was not meant to be. Cristian Romero’s 111th-minute goal finally put an end to Cape Verde’s fairy-tale run.

Argentina secured their place in the World Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in Miami.

Earlier today (June 4), Lionel Messi set a monumental milestone in football history just by stepping onto the pitch.

This marked his 30th World Cup appearance, the highest by any player in the history of the tournament.

Additionally, it was his 27th World Cup start, setting another unmatched record.

Messi celebrated his record-breaking night by breaking Cape Verde's resilience in the 29th minute.

Controlling a pass from Lisandro Martínez out of midfield, Messi deftly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into the net.

This marked his 20th overall World Cup goal, and his 7th in this tournament, making him the current top scorer ahead of France's Kylian Mbappé, who sits at 6 goals.

Despite being massive underdogs in terms of rankings and squad strength, Cape Verde played positive football from the opening whistle in Miami.

Rather than sitting back, they actively tried to attack.

While the world champions failed to create many clear-cut chances in the first half, they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Cape Verde struck back in the 59th minute of the second half. Ryan Mendes delivered a pass from the right flank to Deroy Duarte, who found space after slipping past the Argentine defense.

Lisandro Martínez rushed forward to block him, but Duarte unleashed a brilliant strike that nutmegged the defender and went into the net to equalize.

Argentina pushed hard to regain the lead, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made a spectacular save against a fine shot from Messi in the 63rd minute, followed by another crucial save from a Messi free-kick in the 73rd minute.

Despite multiple attempts from Argentina, Cape Verde’s defensive wall held firm, forcing the match into extra time.

Argentina reclaimed the lead just three minutes into extra time.

Collecting the ball from a corner, Lisandro feigned a shot toward the far corner, but surprised everyone by unleashing a powerful, curling effort into the top near corner.

Just when it seemed this would be the match-winner, Cape Verde's Jamiro Monteiro pulled off another shock.

Receiving the ball on the left flank, Monteiro cut inside and unleashed a spectacular curling shot with his right foot, burying it into the top far corner of the net.

The final blow in this dramatic encounter was delivered by Cristian Romero.

In the 111th minute, Romero rose above everyone to powerfully head home a corner delivered by Messi.

Argentina held on to the lead, walking off the pitch with a hard-earned victory.