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Argentina vs Cape Verde Betting Tips & Predictions – More Messi Magic at the World Cup 2026

vedran-ostojic
Vedran Ostojic
Editor
Last updated: Tue 30 Jun 2026 18:18
Cape Verde's group stage performance deserves recognition, but their journey is expected to end against Argentina. The reigning world champions are on a ten-game winning streak and are unlikely to face difficulties in this encounter. Lionel Messi continues to shine, having already scored six goals, and experts anticipate he will add more to his tally. Ultimately, Argentina's superior form and talent make them clear favorites to advance beyond this round.
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  • Argentina are on a 10-game winning streak across competitions
  • We are backing them to beat Cape Verde without conceding
  • Check our full preview for Argentina vs Cape Verde below
Leo Messi is the top WC 2026 scorer with six goals (Getty)

Cape Verde had just seven shots on target in the group phase, and they lack the experience and overall quality to compete with the reigning world champions. I am backing Argentina to win to nil. 

Key Stats  


  • Argentina have won their last 10 matches. 
  • Argentina have won to nil in 4 of their last 5 matches. 
  • Leo Messi has scored 7 goals in his last 4 matches for Argentina. 
  • Cape Verde have failed to score in 2 of their last 3 matches. 

No Previous Meetings 


This is going to be the first head to head match between Argentina and Cape Verde. 

Argentina Topped Group J With Nine Points 


Argentina enter the playoff stage with high confidence after winning all three games so far. They were heavily carried by Leo Messi in the opener against Algeria, scoring three goals to secure a 3-0 victory. 

Messi added two more goals to his name in the second round against Austria as the reigning champions claimed a 2-0 win and became all-time leading scorer in the WC history, surpassing Miroslav Klose. 

Argentina wrapped up the group phase with a 3-1 win over Jordan, gaining an early 2-0 lead here with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez getting on scoresheet. Leo Messi replaced Martinez in the 60th minute and scored a free kick 20 minutes later. 

Cape Verde are Still Unbeaten 


Cape Verde are enjoying a dream run at their first-ever World Cup, advancing as runners-up in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finishing only behind Spain. 

They held heavily favored La Roja to a goalless draw in the opening match, with goalkeeper Vozinha producing a superb display and making seven saves. That was followed by a 2-2 draw against Uruguay despite generating just 0.88 xG compared to Uruguay’s 2.31 and having only 35% possession. 

Cape Verde missed a couple of huge opportunities in the final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia, which ended goalless, but the result was enough to secure second place. 

Team News & Predicted Lineups 


Argentina (4-3-3) Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez

Cristian Romero returned to full training following a minor knee injury. Julian Alvarez is expected to start here to put additional pressure on Cape Verde's back line. Leo Messi is the leading WC 2026 scorer at the moment with six goals.

Cape Verde (4-4-2): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Logan Costa, Stopira; Garry Rodrigues, Jamiro Monteiro, Joao Paulo, Jovane Cabral; Ryan Mendes, Dailon Livramento

Cape Verde have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been their standout performer so far, saving them on multiple occasions.

Verdict

Cape Verde deserve praise for group stage achievements, but their run is likely to end here. Argentina have won ten games in a row and I don’t expect the reigning world champions to struggle in this matchup. 

Leo Messi is enjoying an excellent tournament so far and is expected to add to his six-goal tally. 

Best Bet1: Argentina To Win to Nil @4/6 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Leo Messi Anytime Goalscorer @4/6 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Leo Messi First Goalscorer @3/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
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