MESSI BREAKS THE PROPHECY AS ARGENTINA BEAT CAPE VERDE 3-2 IN WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT

Before the game, Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku made a bold prediction. He said Cape Verde would knock Argentina out, and that Lionel Messi would stop on six goals at this World Cup. The video was widely shared across Africa. For Cape Verde, a small nation making its World Cup debut, it felt like hope.

Argentina won 3-2 after extra time. But it was not easy. It was tense, messy, and Cape Verde made the world champions suffer for every minute.

The game started as expected. Argentina dominated possession. In the 29th minute, Messi did what Messi does. He took a pass from Lisandro Martínez on his chest, took one touch, and scored. It was Messi’s seventh goal of the tournament.

But Cape Verde did not come to watch. They came to fight. In the 59th minute, Deroy Duarte scored to make it 1-1. The small group of Cape Verde supporters erupted.

Extra time arrived and Argentina thought they were through. Lisandro Martínez struck a big shot in the 92nd minute to make it 2-1. But Cape Verde answered again. Cabral cut in and curled in a beautiful goal in the 103rd minute. 2-2. With 15 minutes left, the prophecy was still alive.

Then came the heartbreak. In the 111th minute, Messi took a corner. Cristian Romero attacked it. The ball hit Cape Verde defender Diney Borges and went into his own net. 3-2 Argentina.

Cape Verde had one last chance from a free-kick, but Emiliano Martínez saved it. Game over.

After the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was honest. He said Cape Verde played like a great team and that this was not an easy game. He was right. Cape Verde ran, tackled and had 15 shots. They left the pitch with their heads held high.

For Argentina, the next stop is Egypt in Atlanta. And for Messi, he now has seven goals at this World Cup. That matches what he managed in 2022. He is 39 years old, and he is still deciding games.

Nana Kwaku said Messi would stay on six. Messi got to seven.
Nana Kwaku said Cape Verde would win. Cape Verde came close, but they lost.

That is football. You can pray, you can predict, you can believe. But when Messi is on the pitch, he usually finds a way to write the ending himself.

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