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Argentina vs Cape Verde Predictions - Messi to unlock impressive Cape Verde

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 02 Jul 2026

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John Eastwood 02 Jul 2026

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Argentina in top form with 10 straight wins; Messi leads with 6 goals.
Cape Verde unbeaten in groups but lacks attacking threat; strong defense led by Vozinha.
Prediction: Argentina to win to nil; Messi likely to score again.

Expired

Leo Messi is the top WC 2026 scorer with six goals (Getty)

Argentina vs Cape Verde Predictions

Cape Verde were never expected to reach this stage but they have done a tremendous job. They went unbeaten in the group stage and despite creating almost nothing in the three games, at the back they have been superb. However, Argentina are on a different level with Messi present, I do not see this being overly competitive.

Argentina vs Cape Verde Predictions
Head to Head
Argentina Form
Cape Verde Form
Argentina vs Cape Verde News & Predicted Lineups

Argentina have won their last 10 matches.
Argentina have won to nil in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Leo Messi has scored 7 goals in his last 4 matches for Argentina.
Cape Verde have failed to score in 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

These two nations have never met before.

Argentina Form

Argentina enter the playoff stage with high confidence after winning all three games so far. They were heavily carried by Leo Messi in the opener against Algeria, scoring three goals to secure a 3-0 victory.

Messi added two more goals to his name in the second round against Austria as the reigning champions claimed a 2-0 win and became all-time leading scorer in the WC history, surpassing Miroslav Klose.

Argentina wrapped up the group phase with a 3-1 win over Jordan, gaining an early 2-0 lead here with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez getting on scoresheet. Leo Messi replaced Martinez in the 60th minute and scored a free kick 20 minutes later.

Cape Verde Form

Cape Verde are enjoying a dream run at their first-ever World Cup, advancing as runners-up in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finishing only behind Spain.

They held heavily favored La Roja to a goalless draw in the opening match, with goalkeeper Vozinha producing a superb display and making seven saves. That was followed by a 2-2 draw against Uruguay despite generating just 0.88 xG compared to Uruguay’s 2.31 and having only 35% possession.

Cape Verde missed a couple of huge opportunities in the final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, which ended goalless, but the result was enough to secure second place.

Argentina vs Cape Verde News & Predicted Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3) Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez

Cristian Romero returned to full training following a minor knee injury. Julian Alvarez is expected to start here to put additional pressure on Cape Verde's back line. Leo Messi is the leading WC 2026 scorer at the moment with six goals.

Cape Verde (4-4-2): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Logan Costa, Stopira; Garry Rodrigues, Jamiro Monteiro, Joao Paulo, Jovane Cabral; Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento

Cape Verde have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been their standout performer so far, saving them on multiple occasions.

Verdict

Argentina v Cape Verde

Cape Verde deserve praise for group stage achievements, but their run is likely to end here. Argentina have won ten games in a row and I don’t expect the reigning world champions to struggle in this matchup.

Leo Messi is enjoying an excellent tournament so far and is expected to add to his six-goal tally.

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