Sports
Footage Shows What Happened After Lionel Messi’s Post-Match Interview v Cape Verde
Argentina scraped past minnows Cape Verde by the skin of their teeth in the World Cup round of 32 to set up a last-16 clash with Egypt in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring for the South American side with a stunningly taken goal inside the opening 30 minutes, before Cape Verde forced extra-time following Deroy Duarte’s second-half equaliser. The back-and-forth continued in the ensuing 30-minute period, as Lisandro Martinez’s goal was cancelled out by a sumptuous finish from left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral.
The African team’s fairy-tale story was then brought to an end when Diney Borges diverted a Messi corner into his own net nine minutes from time.
Despite crashing out, Cape Verde produced one of the iconic matches of this World Cup to date, and shared a wholesome moment with Argentina’s talisman in the mixed zone after the game.
Lionel Messi Reacts to Argentina’s Narrow Win Over Cape Verde
Argentina were handed a relatively favourable route to the semi-final with the knockout bracket, and went into this game knowing Mohamed Salah’s Egypt awaited in the next round.
The pressure of this may have got to them, as they almost squandered this opportunity to coast towards the last four. Cape Verde pushed Lionel Scaloni’s team to the death, and Messi has subsequently spoken out about his team’s struggles in Miami.
“Honestly, we already knew this was going to be a very difficult match,” he said (via the Sun).
“It wasn’t a coincidence that this team didn’t lose to Spain or Uruguay. Scoring the first goal was the hardest part, and we thought it would help us control the game and play with more calm, but the exact opposite happened.
“We lost possession at times, dropped a little too deep, and couldn’t press them the way we wanted. They took advantage of their strengths and found the equaliser. We knew this was always going to be a complicated game.
“These are knockout matches, nobody gives you anything for free. Some people might underestimate certain teams because of their names, but we knew this was never going to be an easy match.
“That’s what makes this World Cup so special. Everything is incredibly close, and every single game is extremely difficult.”
Despite some criticism levelled at his team due to the nature of Argentina’s performance, Messi revealed that he was proud of his team’s efforts.
“As always, we gave everything we had, regardless of whether we played well or didn’t produce our best football. Now the most important thing is to recover, focus on the next match, and take the positives from today’s game.”
Fans took to Reddit to salute Messi for his heroic performance and stoic post-match comments.
“Messi having so many haters always surprises me considering how he never talks badly or is arrogant and is known as a really fair player. Genuinely think the Sport couldn’t ask for a better representation,” one supporter wrote.
“Humble sportsmanship from the GOAT as usual,” another added.
Others praised Messi’s respect for Cape Verde and expressed how they couldn’t believe people dislike the Inter Miami star.
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Lionel Messi and Cape Verde Players Mixed Zone Interaction
It seems as though Messi’s respect for Cape Verde was reciprocated by the Island nation’s players.
In the mixed zone after the game, following the 39-year-old’s interview, a handful of Cape Verde players stopped the footballing great and asked for a photo.
The playmaker respectfully obliged, posing for pictures with several members of Bubista’s squad.
This wholesome footage has gone viral on social media, adding to the general outpouring of love for the tournament’s surprise package.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made headlines with his performance against Spain, but the dark horse’s biggest contribution at this World Cup will no doubt be their efforts against the reigning champions, producing a tie that will live long in the memories.
The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup has come to a close, leaving just 16 teams in the hunt to earn a first – or another – star on their badge.
The expansion of the tournament from 32 nations to 48 saw a more hectic group stage and this additional knockout round, which lived up to expectations. The inaugural Round of 32 saw some fascinating ties, as Argentina were taken to extra-time by Cape Verde, the Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco and Germany were upset by Paraguay.
Canada, Egypt and Norway won their first World Cup knockout matches, while ten of the 16 ties were decided on penalties or by winning goals from the 85th minute onwards. If the next stage of the competition comes close to resembling this level of drama, fans are in for an enthralling ride.
So, with the teams confirmed, some interesting fixtures set up, and with how unpredictable this World Cup has been already, it makes predicting what will occur in the upcoming knockout rounds extremely difficult. With that in mind, we’ve drafted in the assistance of Grok AI to provide its verdict, result-by-result.
Last 16
As far as the Round of 16 goes, Argentina and France are the only sides predicted to win comfortably, with routine victories against Egypt and Paraguay, respectively, forecasted. Two of the co-hosts are expected to progress into the final eight, with the USA predicted to beat Belgium 2-1 in Seattle, while England’s pursuit of a second star is expected to come to an end on penalties at the hands of Mexico.
Meanwhile, Grok believes fellow co-hosts Canada’s dream tournament will conclude in this round, with Morocco tipped to overcome them with a 2-1 win in Houston. Elsewhere, Spain are expected to end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup endeavours, Switzerland are poised to beat Colombia on penalties, while Brazil are anticipated to narrowly avoid an upset against Norway.
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World Cup Round of 16 AI Prediction |
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Fixture |
Result |
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Paraguay vs France |
France win 3-0 |
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Canada vs Morocco |
Morocco win 2-1 |
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Portugal vs Spain |
Spain win 2-1 |
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USA vs Belgium |
USA win 2-1 |
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Brazil vs Norway |
Brazil win 2-1 |
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Mexico vs England |
Mexico win 1-1 (on pens) |
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Argentina vs Egypt |
Argentina win 2-0 |
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Switzerland vs Colombia |
Switzerland win 1-1 (on pens) |
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Quarter-Finals
France are tipped to continue their strong run by progressing into the final four with a clinical victory over Morocco in Boston. Spain, meanwhile, are predicted to be the team to end USA’s dreams, overcoming Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s home advantage as a result of their midfield dominance and their experience at major tournaments.
Brazil are also expected to spoil a host nation’s party, with Grok insisting that Carlo Ancelotti’s team will overcome Mexico in a passionate clash in Miami. Argentina round things off with the most dominant display of the quarter-finals, as Lionel Messi is tipped to once again lead his nation to a World Cup semi-final with a mesmeric display against Switzerland.
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World Cup Quarter-Final AI Prediction |
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Fixture |
Result |
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France vs Morcco |
France win 2-1 |
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Spain vs USA |
Spain win 2-1 |
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Brazil vs Mexico |
Brazil win 2-1 |
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Argentina vs Switzerland |
Argentina win 2-0 |
Semi-Finals
France are predicted to narrowly edge past Spain in a box office all-European clash. Les Blues’ attacking depth is expected to just about prove to be too much for Spain’s possession game, with this high-tempo affair tipped to go the distance in extra-time.
Meanwhile, Brazil and Argentina meet in one of football’s greatest rivalries in Atlanta, and the game is expected to deliver drama. The Argentines are predicted to edge a fiery contest, which will ultimately be decided by their experience and star power in forward areas with Messi.
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World Cup Semi-Final AI Prediction |
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Fixture |
Result |
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France vs Spain |
France win 2-1 |
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Brazil vs Argentina |
Argentina win 2-1 |
Third Place Playoff
Brazil are tipped to claim Bronze with an emphatic victory over Spain. In typical third-place play-off fashion, an open game is predicted to ensue in Miami.
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World Cup Third-Place Playoff AI Prediction |
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Fixture |
Result |
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Brazil vs France |
Brazil win 3-1 |
Final
The final delivers an intense repeat of the 2022 showdown in Qatar, where Lionel Messi ended his wait for a World Cup triumph by playing a key part in Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France.
While that game provided end-to-end action and non-stop entertainment, a more cagey affair is expected this time around. France’s squad rotation and defensive solidity is expected to prevail, although the game is tipped to go to penalties after goals from Messi and Kylian Mbappe cancel each other out.
Didier Deschamps’ team are anticipated to edge the shootout, meaning France claim their third star.
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World Cup Final AI Prediction |
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Fixture |
Result |
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France vs Argentina |
France win 1-1 (on pens) |
Manchester United have held talks over a potential move to sign a new winger during the summer transfer window.
A large part of United’s focus in the market has been on bringing in additional bodies in the middle of the park.
They’ve struggled with multiple moves, seeing Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson move to Tottenham and Manchester City, respectively.
Their priority continues to be bringing in additional midfielders, but they do need to strengthen in other positions.
The Red Devils will be hoping to reinforce multiple areas of the pitch in the summer transfer window, especially after qualifying for the Champions League last season.
Michael Carrick needs a deeper and more competitive squad in order to compete on all fronts. Meaning it could be a busy few weeks for the Manchester club.
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Man Utd must be considering making a move.
Man Utd Open Winger Talks
According to reports in Italy, Manchester United have held talks over a potential move to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that Milan are demanding at least £60m to allow the Portuguese winger to depart, while he also has interest from other Premier League clubs, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Leao has a monster release clause, but Milan are willing to accept less than that to sanction a departure.
The Milan winger previously confirmed in the media that he wants to leave the club in the current summer transfer window. He has piqued the interest of a host of sides around Europe.
United are one of those who have made a move, but it remains to be seen whether they turn that interest into an official bid.
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Leao Could be Game-Changer
It would be a huge statement from the Red Devils if they can bring Leao to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese attacker, described as ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’, is undoubtedly an inconsistent player, but he has that star quality that can change a game.
He would offer raw pace and directness that United don’t really have on the left-hand side of attack. There’s no doubt he’ll be pushing to become a guaranteed starter pretty soon.
United face plenty of competition for his signature, so it certainly won’t be easy. They need to start making some moves in the transfer market if they want to compete on all fronts next season.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window. GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has now provided an update on the situation.
It is no secret that United are heavily pushing to bring in new midfield additions in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils were linked with moves for both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, but they have now officially joined Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively.
It’s back to the drawing board for the Manchester club, but thankfully for them, they have a lengthy shortlist for the midfield position.
Tchouameni is one of the names potentially on their list, with Fabrizio Romano confirming he’s a dream target.
Man Utd Table Contract Offer to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Premier League Star
Man Utd have made a formal offer.
Man Utd: Tchouameni Update
According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Jacobs on the Market Madness podcast, Tchouameni could be one to watch for Manchester United in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.
Jacobs confirms that the French midfielder wants to wait to see how Madrid’s window pans out and hopes to speak to new manager Jose Mourinho.
“Aurelien Tchouameni could still be one to watch. From Manchester United’s perspective, they need to understand whether the player is going to ask to leave Real Madrid. We have no signs of that yet. I’m told that Tchouameni wants to wait, speak to Jose Mourinho, and see whether a six or an eight comes in at Real Madrid, and then decide whether the direction is a new contract or a new player to come in this position. Once he gets clarity on that, which could only come after the World Cup, he’ll have a better idea of whether Real are asking him to potentially go to create funding and squad spectacle.”
United will likely have to remain patient when it comes to Tchouameni, as his situation might not change until later in the window.
The Red Devils do have other targets alongside Tchouameni, and they need to get a move on as they keep missing out on players.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Man Utd Explore Alternative
Another option for United in the middle of the park could be Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
GIVEMESPORT correspondent Jacobs has also confirmed that Scott is a target for United as they assess alternatives to Fernandes after they were not prepared to meet his £85m asking price.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson in the summer transfer window, but they are likely to bring in at least two midfielders.
Casemiro has already headed through the exit door following the expiration of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte could be on the sidelines for a lengthy period after picking up an injury at the World Cup.
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