Contested calls and rival flags showed how Palestine now shapes debates over power and fairness in sport.
Lionel Messi opens scoring but Argentina taken to extra time by Cape Verde, which threatened greatest World Cup upset.
Argentinian supporters turn Miami Beach into a celebratory hub ahead of their team’s only World Cup match in Messi city.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the reigning champions, face minnows Cape Verde in a last-32 clash in Miami.
From prayers on the pitch to cursing the opposing team, faith and religious belief have been prominent this World Cup.
Several games in the 2026 World Cup have already ended in dramatic penalty shootouts.
Lionel Messi leads the way with five goals with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland second with four goals each.
Lionel Messi became the highest goalscorer in World Cup history after scoring his 17th and 18th tournament goals.
Messi scores twice to become all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history as Argentina reach knockout rounds.
Lionel Messi is tournament’s all-time and current edition’s leading goal scorer with 18 and five goals, respectively.
![Argentina fans gather in Miami before their team's World Cup match against Cape Verde, on July 2 [Hafsa Adil/Global News Insight]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/argentina-fans-in-Miami-1783065140.jpeg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
