C aptain Lionel Messi returns to the starting lineup for Argentina in their ‌World Cup last-32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde ⁠early Saturday (Juy 4, 2026).

Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead early on with a sweetly struck free-kick of his own, before Lautaro Martinez doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Jordan, who went into the game knowing they could no longer qualify,

Despite fielding a rotated lineup, Argentina displayed its roster depth, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez both finding the back of the net before the 30-minute mark. Lionel Messi subbed into the match at the hour mark and scored 20 minutes later to become the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches.

Lionel Messi has scored the opening goal, can he score more? Follow real-time updates, goals and highlights from the match here on Sportstar.

England's World Cup match against Mexico will kick off at the scheduled time, despite storm forecasts prompting reports of discussions over moving the game forward. It comes as defending champion Argentina survives a scare from Cape Verde,

Get Argentina vs. Cape Verde predictions, Polymarket prices, Dimers' latest simulations, player prop probabilities, and best bets for Friday's World Cup match.