Cape Verde hope to continue World Cup fairytale against Messi's Argentina
Key takeaways
- Minnows Cape Verde hope to continue their World Cup fairytale on Friday as they face Argentina, and footballing legend Lionel Messi.
- By: FRANCE 24 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's first goal against Algeria during the 2026 World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026.
- Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Minnows Cape Verde hope to continue their World Cup fairytale on Friday as they face Argentina, and footballing legend Lionel Messi. The Atlantic archipelago became the smallest ever nation to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup by earning unexpected draws with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
By: FRANCE 24 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's first goal against Algeria during the 2026 World Cup at the Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026. © Roberto Schmidt, AFP A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.