In a staggering World Cup classic, defending champions Argentina narrowly escaped an epic upset by defeating Cape Verde 3–2 in an extra-time thriller in Miami.

Lionel Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a vintage finish, but an opportunistic equalizer from Deroy Duarte pushed the tournament favorites into extra time.

The drama intensified in the extra period. Lisandro Martínez scrambled home a second goal for La Albiceleste, only for Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral to answer back immediately with a sensational strike. Argentina's relief finally came in the 111th minute when a deflected header forced a decisive own goal.

Watch the video below: