The crazy evening in Miami on Friday, where Argentina nearly suffered a humiliating defeat against Cape Verde (3-2 after extra time) in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, once again showed the extent to which the world champions rely on the genius of Lionel Messi.

With a tired face and clear signs of fatigue after spending 120 minutes on the pitch, the 39-year-old 'Flea' admitted that he expected 'a very difficult match' where 'no one gives you anything'.

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Before the round of 32 clash: By the numbers, what have Argentina and Cape Verde done in the 2026 World Cup?

He added, 'This is what distinguishes this special World Cup: everything is very close and very complicated, and all matches will be extremely difficult,' without commenting on his personal performance. But the numbers speak for themselves. King Leo opened the scoring with a brilliant touch followed by a powerful left-foot shot, then was behind the next two goals from corner kicks. After four matches, he tops the scoring chart (7 goals), accounting for 63% of Argentina's goals since the start of the tournament. Beyond these numbers, he was the source of most of his team's dangerous chances on Friday, denied a second goal by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after a free kick heading towards the corner (73') and a shot that was not powerful enough (63'). And then? The dominance of Messi, who is approaching 40, over Argentina's performance highlights the limits of the three-time world champions. Defender Lisandro Martínez, who provided a brilliant long pass to... Messi for the first goal and a powerful shot for the third goal, was another standout attacking option. In contrast, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada, and Julián Álvarez after coming on looked largely lackluster. Argentina also lacked attacking depth to unsettle Cape Verde's defense in the absence of an effective winger.

- 'A desire to go to war' -

Before the match, coach Lionel Scaloni did not avoid the issue of 'reliance on Messi', saying 'Leo scored goals, but we also created chances for other players (...). It doesn't worry me. We would like the goals to be distributed among all players, but as long as we are winning...'

In other words: It is not a problem. The Argentine coach built his team around the star player, and the group stage results have shown that this option remains the best to attempt a historic double. The Argentine national team has been playing this way for years, and it already paid off at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as in the two consecutive Copa América titles (2021 and 2024). But such an approach carries risks: what will happen if the 'Flea' suffers an injury or physical decline, as he approaches 40 and struggled with hamstring problems at the end of the season?

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said during the tournament, 'If some think this team would be better without Leo, it has become clear (...) that Leo is the most important.' The team plays for its 'star'. Julián Álvarez told DAZN, 'He is my idol since I was a child. Of course, you want to repay him, try to coordinate moves and create this chemistry.' Rodrigo De Paul, his teammate on the national team and at Inter Miami, summed it up: 'He makes you want to go to war if he asks you to.' The next battle is scheduled for Tuesday in the round of 16 against Egypt led by Mohamed Salah, with Messi in the spotlight.