sports
Lionel Messi and Argentina await Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars. Cape Verde has none of that. Soccer’s version of David vs. Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cu
Key takeaway Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cup champion Argentina faces a Cape Verde squad with absolutely no burden of expectations going into the round of 32 match.
Why this matters in The Miami
As the world watches the David vs Goliath matchup between Argentina and Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami 's own diverse community is likely to be invested in the outcome. The city's strong Latin American and Caribbean roots make it a natural hub for soccer fans, and the presence of Lionel Messi, arguably the best player of all time, is sure to draw in crowds. For Miami's residents, particularly those from Argentina and other Latin American countries, this match is more than just a sporting event - it's a chance to connect with their heritage and community. The fact that Cape Verde, a tiny island nation, has made it to the round of 32 is also a testament to the global reach and appeal of soccer, and Miami's own status as a melting pot of cultures. As the city hosts this high-stakes match, it's a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and transcend borders.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: sports ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Argentina has the World Cup titles, arguably the best player of all-time in Lionel Messi, the rich history and a roster filled with stars. Cape Verde has none of that. Soccer’s version of David vs. Goliath happens Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium, where defending World Cu
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more sports coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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