Messi says game against Cape Verde will be difficult They didn't lose to Spain-Uruguay by accident.

Lionel Messi, striker and captain of the Argentina national team. Comment on the strength of the Cape Verde national team. After the two teams met in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes before going into extra time. And it was Argentina who won 3-2 in extra time. Messi stated that he and the team knew the match would be difficult from the beginning. “We know it will be a very difficult match. They are not a team that loses by accident — they don't lose to Spain and Uruguay for no reason,” Messi said, as he pointed out that nothing comes easy in a play-off match. And some teams may underestimate other teams. But the Argentine team knew from the beginning that it would be a tough game. Messi added: This is what makes this World Cup special. Every competition is tense. And every match is extraordinarily difficult. According to a report by journalist Fabrizio Romano via the X platform. Previously in the group stage Cape Verde saved several draws. These included a 0-0 draw with Spain, a 2-2 draw with Uruguay and a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, which confirmed their difficulty in facing top teams. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Мundial 2026](https://torcidanet.live/pt/news/eu-preferiria-ser-nos-e-nao-marrocos-tecnico-do-canada-apos-a-partida-das-oitavas-de-final-da-copa-do-mundo) 2. [Arshavin: Antes do campeonato era evidente que os alemães não eram favoritos](https://quinasgoal.com/noticias/arshavin-antes-do-campeonato-era-evidente-que-os-alemaes-nao-eram-favoritos)