Messi admits Argentina's pressing faults vs Cape Verde, credits own goal for win
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said his side failed to press Cape Verde effectively and played with disjointed lines during their World Cup Round of 32 match, which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before Argentina won 3-2 in extra time thanks to an own goal by Cape Verde's Diney Borges. Messi told FIFA's website that when Argentina tried to push from the defensive pivot, the distance to the centre-backs was too great, leaving the team stretched and allowing Cape Verde an extra man in midfield. The African side kept possession and forced Argentina to chase, he added.
The match took place on July 4, 2026 at Miami Stadium in the United States. Argentina advanced to the Round of 16, while Cape Verde's World Cup run ended. For Nigerian fans, the result shows that African sides can compete tactically with traditional powers, even when they lose. It also raises questions about how teams like Nigeria might press or absorb pressure when facing South American opponents in future tournaments.
What tactical adjustments could Nigeria's coaching staff make to avoid the kind of disjointed lines Messi criticized, and how might they use compact midfield shapes to limit opponents' possession when facing teams like Argentina or Brazil?