Argentina scraped into the World Cup last 16 with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, as a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute finally broke the resistance of the tournament's smallest nation.
Defending champions Argentina were pushed to the absolute limit by the debutants, ranked 67th in the world and representing a country of just over 500, 000 people. The match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, converting after a pass from Lisandro Martínez to net his 20th career World Cup goal. It extended his record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha kept his side in the contest with a string of superb saves, denying Messi in a one-on-one and from a free-kick as Argentina threatened to pull clear.
The underdogs drew level on the hour when Deroy Duarte finished smartly after being set up by Ryan Mendes, sending the Cape Verde contingent into raptures and stunning Lionel Scaloni's side.
Lisandro Martínez appeared to have rescued Argentina when he headed in from an Alexis Mac Allister delivery in the 92nd minute, sending the match into extra time just as it seemed destined for penalties.
But Cape Verde refused to bow. Sidny Lopes Cabral produced a stunning curled effort from outside the box in the 103rd minute, assisted by Yannick Semedo, before sprinting into the stands to celebrate with supporters.
The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute. Messi swung in a corner, Cristian Romero met it with a firm header, and the ball deflected off defender Borges and into the net for an own goal.
It was a cruel way for Cape Verde's historic campaign to end. They became the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stages, and their performance in Miami ensured they departed with enormous credit.
The match marked Scaloni's 100th game in charge of Argentina, while Messi made his 30th World Cup appearance. Neither milestone came easily against opponents who refused to be overawed.
Scaloni had warned before kick-off that Cape Verde were not in the tournament by chance. His counterpart Bubista said his side had always trusted in their own methods regardless of whether others respected them.
Argentina now advance to face Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7 in Atlanta, after the Egyptians defeated Australia on penalties earlier in the day. Cape Verde head home eliminated but with their reputation transformed.
