Argentina Advances to FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals After Thrilling Match

Argentina has reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a dramatic match against Cape Verde, where they won 3-2. The game featured a memorable moment between Lionel Messi and Cape Verde's Roberto Pico Lopes, who shared insights about their on-field interaction. Messi's performance was stellar, scoring two goals to lead his team to victory. As Argentina prepares to face Switzerland next, fans are eager to see how this thrilling journey unfolds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:42 IST

Argentina's Journey to the Quarter-Finals

Argentina has successfully made it to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they are set to compete against Switzerland. In their previous match, La Albiceleste faced Cape Verde, a team making its World Cup debut and capturing hearts as the tournament's underdog. The African nation put up a commendable fight, ultimately losing 3-2 in a nail-biting extra time finish. A notable moment from this match involved Lionel Messi, who was seen in a brief confrontation with Cape Verde's defender, Roberto Pico Lopes. Lopes later shared insights about this interaction during an interview with an Irish television channel.

The Messi and Lopes Encounter

'Don't Touch Me'

Roberto Lopes explained that his intention behind the push was simply to confirm Messi's presence on the field. He stated, "I just wanted to give him a little push to ensure he was real. I had to touch him to confirm he was human, but he didn't appreciate it." Following the incident, Messi confronted Lopes, asserting that the push constituted a foul and cautioned him against further contact. Despite the initial tension, the two players eventually shook hands and resolved their differences. Lopes recounted, "He told me, 'Lopes, that's a foul. There's no ball here. Don't touch me.' I believe he was trying to distract me, but I ignored it. After the half-time whistle, I explained to him that I needed to touch him for my own safety, and we moved on." Messi had an impressive performance, scoring two goals in Argentina's victory over Cape Verde.