Argentina beat Jordan 3-1, Messi scores free-kick; will face Cape Verde

Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their 2026 World Cup Group J match on June 27 at Arlington’s Dallas Stadium, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to score a free‑kick. Lautaro converted a penalty for the second goal and Giovani Lo Celso added the third. Despite the win, Lo Celso regretted the conceded goal, saying they would have liked a clean sheet, while Messi warned that Cape Verde will be a "very tough" opponent in the last‑16 clash on July 3 in Miami.

Argentina finished the group stage with maximum points, though they were in a weaker group that also featured Algeria and Austria. Cape Verde, ranked 67th worldwide, advanced via three draws, including a goalless stalemate against Spain, and will make their World Cup knockout debut.

For Nigerian fans, the upcoming match offers a chance to see an African side test the defending champions. Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive showing shows that African teams can compete at the highest level, while Messi’s form remains a major talking point.

Will Cape Verde’s resilient defensive approach frustrate Messi and push Argentina to adapt, or will the holders’ experience prevail in the Miami showdown?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/28/argentina-wary-of-very-tough-cape-verde-in-world-cup-last-32/