Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead with a superb finish in the 29th minute.
Deroy Duarte equalised for Cape Verde just before the hour mark, forcing extra time.
Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s advantage in the second minute of extra time, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to level again in the 103rd minute with a stunning strike.
Cristian Romero’s header in the 111th minute secured a 3‑2 victory for Argentina, sending them to the round of 16.
Betting odds on Argentina’s next opponent may shift as the narrow win highlights potential vulnerabilities.
Djaniny Rodrigues, a 31‑year‑old Cape Verde forward, plays as a winger/striker for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. He moved to Al Hilal from Al Ahli in the 2024 transfer window. He has earned more than 80 caps for the Cape Verde senior national team.