Argentina wary of 'very tough' Cape Verde in World Cup last 32

Argentina say they won't underestimate "very tough" Cape Verde when the Lionel Messi-inspired holders face the World Cup surprise packages in the last 32.

The reigning champions will be massive favourites to win and win big when they play the tournament debutants on July 3 in Miami.

Argentina captain Messi came on as a substitute and scored a free-kick as they beat already eliminated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday in Texas.

Lionel Scaloni's side finished the first stage with maximum points and looking formidable, albeit in one of the weaker groups also featuring Algeria and Austria.

Striker Lautaro Martínez, who got the second against debutants Jordan from the spot, told broadcasters: "We are feeling good, now we have to rest, recharge our batteries to think about what is coming, which is going to be difficult.

"Today we faced an important team like Jordan, we had to do our job and we did it and that's why we leave happy and very excited for what's to come."

Fellow first-half goal scorer Giovani Lo Celso said it had been almost the perfect group stage.

"It's a pity about the goal we conceded today, we would've liked to end with a clean sheet," he said.

"Still, I think it was a very good group stage. Now the most important part begins. 

"From now on, it's about turning the page and thinking about Cape Verde, who will be a very tough opponent."

Cape Verde, ranked 67 in the world, squeezed into the next stage with three draws, one of them a goalless stalemate with Spain.

The feeling is “good, especially thanks to Lo Celso, who couldn’t take part in the last World Cup, and Lautaro, who hadn’t scored before. It was a good night. I’m happy and now the real fun begins,” said Scaloni after the match.

“I feel a great sense of excitement about the journey. Making my World Cup debut and scoring a goal – it really is very exciting,” said Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso, who scored the opening goal with a left-footed free-kick in the 19th minute. 

“It was a perfect night,” said Lo Celso, who travelled to the 2018 World Cup in Russia but did not play, and was not selected for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to injury. 

– TIMES/AFP