← Back to News
Who Will Lionel Messi And Argentina Play In The World Cup Round Of 32?
Players
F
Fox Sports·about 6 hours ago

Who Will Lionel Messi And Argentina Play In The World Cup Round Of 32?

Lionel Messi and Argentina now know who they will face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32.

Argentina clinched the top spot in Group J with two wins in its first two matches.

While it has yet to play its final group-stage match, its opponent has now been set following Friday's round of group-stage finales.

Here is everything you need to know about Argentina's round of 32 opponent: Who Is Argentina's Round Of 32 Opponent?

As the runner-up in Group H, Cape Verde, which is making its World Cup debut in 2026, will play reigning champions Argentina in the round of 32.

Cape Verde finished Group H with three points after securing three points in three matches, including a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in its second group stage match.

Cape Verde had +165 odds to advance to the round of 32 entering the tournament.

When Is Argentina vs.

Argentina and Cape Verde will go head-to-head in the round of 32 on July 3 at Miami Stadium.

This will mark Lionel Messi's fourth time playing at Miami Stadium, with his most notable appearance coming in the 2024 Copa América final.

Messi plays for Inter Miami CF at the club level, but the MLS side plays all of its home matches at Nu Stadium in Miami.

Who Is Cape Verde's Best Player?

On paper, Cape Verde's statistical leader is Ryan Mendes, the team's all-time leader in goals and appearances, but veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has become an overnight sensation after recording a seven-save clean sheet against Spain in Cape Verde's World Cup opener.

Sources: Fox Sports

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

Cape Verde continue fairytale World Cup debut after Saudi Arabia draw books last-32 spot
Players

Cape Verde continue fairytale World Cup debut after Saudi Arabia draw books last-32 spot

For a few days at least, the Blue Sharks can scent Argentinian blood. What a scene they presented at the end after drawing for a third time and improbably, magnificently, qualifying from Group H as runners-up. Their players and head coach, Bubista, h

T
The Guardian·about 6 hours ago
Egypt v Iran: World Cup 2026 – live
Players

Egypt v Iran: World Cup 2026 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 8pm local/1pm AEST/4am BST/11pm EDT ⚽️ Third-place table | Player guide | Golden Boot | Mail us ⚽️ New Zealand v Belgium – follow live with Sam Lewis So that means Cape Verde are through to face Argentina in the round of 32, in what

T
The Guardian·about 6 hours ago
New Zealand v Belgium: World Cup 2026 – live
Players

New Zealand v Belgium: World Cup 2026 – live

⚽️ Kick-off time: 8pm local/1pm AEST/4am BST/11pm EDT ⚽️ Third-place table | Player guide | Golden Boot | Mail Sam ⚽️ Egypt v Iran – follow live with Jonathan Howcroft Five changes for Belgium after their frustrating 0-0 draw against Iran. Timothy Ca

T
The Guardian·about 6 hours ago
‘I’m not scared’: Tuchel backs England to compete with anyone at World Cup
Players

‘I’m not scared’: Tuchel backs England to compete with anyone at World Cup

England must match or beat Ghana’s result to finish top Reece James out for two games, Rice also injury concern Thomas Tuchel says nothing has scared him at the World Cup and is adamant that England are capable of competing with any team. Tuchel, who

T
The Guardian·about 6 hours ago
Is Lionel Messi Playing Today? Argentina Star Won't Start In World Cup Showdown vs. Jordan
Players

Is Lionel Messi Playing Today? Argentina Star Won't Start In World Cup Showdown vs. Jordan

Here's what to know about Lionel Messi's status for Saturday's match against Jordan.

F
Fox Sports·about 6 hours ago
Golden Boot race: Dembele joins Mbappe in Messi chase after hat-trick
Players

Golden Boot race: Dembele joins Mbappe in Messi chase after hat-trick

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior and now Ousmane Dembele are involved in what is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested World Cup Golden Boot battles in memory.

S
Sky Sports·about 6 hours ago