Cabo Verde nearly upsets Messi's Argentina in AFCON group stage finale

Cabo Verde came agonisingly close to delivering one of the tournament's biggest shocks on Day 23 of the Africa Cup of Nations, nearly defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina in a thrilling group stage encounter.

The Blue Sharks, competing against the tournament favourites, mounted a determined challenge that kept Messi and his teammates under sustained pressure throughout the match. Despite being heavy underdogs, Cabo Verde's spirited performance demonstrated that Argentina cannot afford complacency, even against smaller football nations. The small West African nation showed tactical discipline and attacking intent, creating several dangerous moments that tested Argentina's backline repeatedly.

Messi and his squad ultimately managed to escape with a result, but the match served as a timely reminder of the unpredictability that defines continental tournaments. Cabo Verde's impressive showing against one of world football's elite teams highlighted the competitive spirit within African football and proved that on any given day, fortunes can shift dramatically on the pitch. The match provided Argentine coaches and players with valuable lessons heading deeper into the tournament.

Elsewhere at the tournament, Egypt's Mohamed Salah guided his team into the knockout stage by securing their Round of 16 qualification. The Liverpool star's continued excellence at international level demonstrated his importance to Egypt's campaign. Salah's movement and finishing prowess proved decisive as Egypt advanced from the group stage, setting up what promises to be an exciting knockout phase for the North African powerhouse.

In other Day 23 action, Colombia claimed victory in what was dubbed the Powder Derby—a competitive regional clash that showcased the intensity of continental football. The South American nation's dominant performance underscored their status as contenders in the tournament. As the group stage concluded, several storylines emerged that will shape the knockout rounds ahead. Teams have now completed their opening matches, and the competition intensifies as only the strongest sides remain.