Flashscore brings you all the best moments from the tournament in our daily World Cup highlights feature. Here's what happened on day 23!
The headlines
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina survived an almighty scare against the tournament’s surprise package, Cape Verde, as Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal in a tense 3-2 triumph after extra time.
Goals from Messi and Lisandro Martinez were cancelled out by Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral, before Diney Borges’ 111th-minute own goal saw Argentina progress in dramatic fashion.
From Vozinha’s heroics against Spain to Cape Verde’s first World Cup goals against Uruguay, it’s been a journey to remember for the tournament’s smallest nation, despite their heartbreaking round of 32 loss.
The Blue Sharks have won the hearts of many on their debut, and depart the United States as one of the best underdogs in World Cup history.
With their victory, Argentina will face Egypt in the last 16, after Hossam Hassan’s men prevailed 4-2 on penalties against Australia to secure a first-ever win in the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Emam Ashour’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Mohamed Hany’s second own goal of the tournament, with the finely-poised contest heading to penalties, where misses from Harry Souttar and teenager Lucas Herrington proved costly for the Socceroos.
Mathew Ryan, brought on specifically for the shootout, was unable to get close to any of Egypt’s spot-kicks, as Mohamed Salah coolly converted a Panenka for the Pharaohs before Hossam Abdelmaguid slotted home the decisive penalty to earn a historic triumph.
The last-16 lineup was completed by Colombia, with Los Cafeteros stretching their competitive unbeaten run to nine matches after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana.
Luis Suarez's delivery was clinically swept home by Jhon Arias in the 14th minute, and that proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Colombia secured a fifth consecutive win against African opposition at the World Cup.
Nestor Lorenzo's in-form side will face Switzerland in the last 16, with a potential quarter-final against Argentina on the horizon.
World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Draw | England at the World Cup | Team rosters at the World Cup | How to watch the World Cup | Predictions and odds | Team of the Group Stage
Player of the day
While Messi starred once again for La Seleccion against Cape Verde, it was centre-back Martinez who earned an impressive 9.4 Flashscore rating - the highest of the day.
The Manchester United defender set up Messi’s opener with a superb long ball, before firing Argentina ahead in extra-time courtesy of an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.
In addition to his key contributions in the final third, Martinez also completed 116 of his 119 passes and made six important clearances in a magnificent all-round display.
Goal of the day
Cape Verde’s incredible run might have come to an end against reigning champions Argentina, but they still had a moment to cherish in Florida on Friday evening.
Having fallen behind in extra time, the Blue Sharks drew level for the second time in the contest, as Cabral cut in from the left flank before curling a sublime angled strike into the top corner, leaving Emiliano Martinez completely helpless.
It was a goal that will live long in the memory for those in attendance at the Hard Rock Stadium, and a strike that will certainly be in the conversation for Goal of the Tournament.
Best from social media
Sticking with Cape Verde, a video of a journalist asking a supporter about the ability of goalkeeper Vozinha has gone viral.
Why? Well, the supporter in question turned out to be the father of Cape Verde's star shot-stopper. Quite the coincidence!
Watch the World Cup 2026 live on ITVX via Prime Video here - live coverage, highlights, and analysis.
