Argentina top Group J with maximum points and will face surprise package Cape Verde in the World Cup last 32, with Lionel Messi leading the title defence
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 Martinez, 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.
