Argentina versus Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup is not a scenario many foresaw.
While most predicted the South Americans to top their group, few gave island nation Cape Verde a chance to progress beyond the initial stage of the tournament.
Even fewer would have expected Cape Verde to go unbeaten against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, finishing second behind the Spanish.
Argentina vs Cape Verde predictions
Argentina's World Cup defence has, somewhat predictably, been all about Lionel Messi thus far.
The little magician from Rosario turned 39 last month but is showing no signs of slowing down on the world stage and should he score against Cape Verde, will become the first player in World Cup history to net 20 goals.
It will come as no surprise that we're expecting Argentina to do the business in Miami and inflict a first World Cup defeat on Cape Verde.
Messi and co are too strong for the plucky islanders, whose fighting spirit and diaspora recruitment is one of the enduring stories of this World Cup tournament.
Rested from the start in their final group game against Jordan, Messi will be fresher than usual, which is probably not what Cape Verde wanted to hear.
That said, they will be relishing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against one of, if not the greatest football players of all time, in a knockout match at the World Cup no less.
Argentina's route to the semi-finals is one of the most straightforward among the elite sides at this tournament. Should they defeat Cape Verde, next up will be Australia or Egypt, followed by one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana.
Argentina vs Cape Verde score prediction
Cape Verde will put up an almighty fight but there is no avoiding the fact that Argentina are simply too strong for a team of their calibre.
Even without Messi, La Albiceleste should get the job down - but they do have Messi, and he could probably do it on his own.
- Score prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde
