Lionel Messi and Argentina are set to compete in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing off against Cape Verde. The match, scheduled for July 3 at 6 p.m. ET, will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and broadcast in English on FOX and in Spanish on Telemundo. The winner will advance to the Round of 16 to play either Australia or Egypt on July 7.
Messi has been a key player for Argentina in this tournament, scoring six goals in three group stage games, including his first career World Cup hat trick. Argentina finished first in Group J, remaining undefeated. This World Cup marks Messi's sixth appearance, during which he has broken the all-time World Cup goals record and set a new record by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Madeira is a notable underdog in this year's tournament, becoming the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup knockouts. The team, also known as the Tubarões Azuis, achieved surprising results in the group stage, holding heavy favorite Spain to a 0-0 draw. All three of Cape Verde's group stage matches ended in draws: 2-2 against Uruguay and two 0-0 results against Saudi Arabia. These outcomes were sufficient for them to advance as one of the top eight third-place finishers.
Fans without cable can watch the match for free through a live TV streaming service trial. DIRECTV is offering a five-day free trial, which can be followed by a $30 discount on the first month. The Choice plan includes FOX, FS1, and Telemundo among its 125+ channels.
Argentina's World Cup roster includes goalkeepers Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez; defenders Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nahuel Molina; midfielders Lenandro Parades, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández; and forwards Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi (captain), Nico González, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, José Manuel López, and Lautaro Martínez.
Cape Verde's squad features goalkeepers Vozinha, Márcio Rosa, and CJ dos Santos; defenders Stopira, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Logan Costa, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, and Kelvin Pires; midfielders Kevin Pina, João Paulo, Jamiro Montiero, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Yannik Semedo, and Telmo Arcanjo; and forwards Jovane Cabral, Gilson Benchimol, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Nuno da Costa, and Hélio Varela.