Messi gives Argentina halftime lead over Cabo Verde in World Cup clash

By Eboselume Olutola

Lionel Messi fired Argentina into a 1-0 lead over Cabo Verde with a first-half goal in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter, putting the defending champions on course for a place in the next stage.

Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after timing his run perfectly before calmly lifting the ball over Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. The goal marked his 20th in World Cup history and extended his scoring streak in the tournament.

Argentina enjoyed the majority of possession after taking the lead, with Lionel Scaloni’s side dictating the tempo through the midfield while looking to add a second goal before the interval. Cabo Verde, however, remained disciplined and continued searching for an equaliser.

The African debutants had started brightly and showed little sign of being overawed by the occasion, creating a few promising attacks before Messi’s breakthrough shifted the momentum in Argentina’s favour.

Messi’s latest strike further strengthened his remarkable World Cup record and moved him to the top of the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot with seven goals. The Argentina captain has been in outstanding form throughout the competition.

Argentina entered the knockout fixture with confidence after winning all three of their group-stage matches, while Cabo Verde reached the Round of 32 following an impressive unbeaten campaign in their World Cup debut.

The South Americans were aiming to preserve their strong record against African opposition at the World Cup, while Cabo Verde hoped to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by eliminating the reigning champions.

With halftime underway, fans and spectators anxiously await the second half as the contest remains finely poised.