Lionel Messi has criticised Argentina’s ball retention and pressing after the holders were taken to extra time by Cape Verde as the underdogs threatened a sensational shock in the World Cup 2026 round of 32.

Captain Messi gave his side an early lead with a superb piece of control and finish from Lisandro Martinez’s masterful pass, but the World Cup debutants equalised twice and were only beaten by Diney’s 111th-minute own goal from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s corner.

“We thought that would allow us to find our rhythm and relax but it was the complete opposite,” Messi said after a record-extending goal in an eighth straight World Cup match.

“We did the hardest part: scoring the first goal. We lost possession, sat back and couldn’t press effectively. They capitalised on their strengths.”

Argentina vs Cape Verde analysis: Messi on ‘crucial’ element

The 39-year-old pointed out that Cape Verde had held reigning European titlists Spain and former world champions Uruguay during an unbeaten group stage.

“We knew it was going to be difficult,” he said. “It’s a knockout tournament and nobody gives you anything for free.

“This is what this World Cup teaches you: everything is very evenly matched, very complicated, and every game is going to be extremely difficult.

“We put in a tremendous effort, as always. The important thing now is to rest, think about what’s next, take away the positives and correct the negatives – of which there were many.

“We capitalised on set pieces, which is something we hadn’t been doing well lately. In matches like this, it’s crucial.

“We have good headers of the ball and, luckily, we were able to take advantage of that. We’ve been working on it and it will be important to be strong in that area as well.

“It’s important in a competition like this, and [against Cape Verde] that was demonstrated.”

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Inter Miami’s Messi had swelling on his forehead after being caught by an opponents’ knee, but the seven-goal outright top scorer at the finals had the consolation of seeing his team oust the impressive Blue Sharks late on.

“This team has been proving it time and again: they compete and will continue to compete until the very end,” he observed of the island nation.

“We couldn’t pressure them well. The lines were too far away… they had the ball and made us run because we couldn’t pressure them well.”

Argentina vs Cape Verde: Scaloni praises character

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni justifiably described Sidny Lopes Cabral’s curling extra-time equaliser against his team as “spectacular”.

“I want to congratulate our opponents,” said Scaloni. “They showed they are a great team. We showed our character.

“The match was extremely tough but you always have to take away the positives and this team never gives up.”

Scaloni acknowledged that he would talk to his players about the “negative aspects”. “But we’re focusing on the positive, which is never giving up,” he added.

“We took our chances at key moments. We always went out to win the game. There’s always room for improvement, but it’s important that the team responded in difficult times.

“We can debate whether we played well or badly, but this team isn’t afraid to take charge of the game.”

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Here are Argentina’s fixtures, results and potential schedule, as well as how to watch in the UK.

Asterisk denotes a fixture starts on the previous day in the stated territory.