Ladbrokes previews Argentina vs Cape Verde in the World Cup Round of 32
Lionel Messi is tipped to score first in Miami with Lautaro Martinez also having a shot on target
Argentina are backed to score over 2.5 goals and keep a clean sheet against the surprise knockout qualifiers
Argentina continue their defence of the World Cup in the Round of 32 against surprise knockout qualifiers Cape Verde - and Ladbrokes previews all the action.
Lionel Messi will play in front of a Miami crowd once again as he continues a sensational tournament so far which has seen him score six goals in the group stage - but his main aim will be securing a fourth World Cup for his country, with a potential banana skin against minnows Cape Verde the first knockout tie to get through.
Cape Verde have defied all pre-tournament expectations to stay unbeaten so far at this World Cup and, after already thwarting European champions Spain, they will look to write more history by pulling off a shock against the holders.
Check out our in-depth preview and bet builder tips for Argentina vs Cape Verde, including lineups, predictions and odds for the World Cup's penultimate Round of 32 game.
Our predicted XI (4-4-2): E. Martinez / Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Medina / De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada / Messi, La. Martinez
Cape Verde
Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Vozinha / Moreira, Lopes, Borges, S. Cabral / Duarte, Pina, Monteiro / Mendes, Livramento, J. Cabral
Argentina vs Cape Verde bet builder tips
Lionel Messi to score first
Lionel Messi is still Argentina's focal point at the ripe old age of 39, and for good reason, with some sensational displays at his sixth World Cup so far.
The superstar is level with Kylian Mbappe on six goals at the tournament so far having played a game fewer, scoring in all three of La Albiceleste's group matches which has seen him become the World Cup's record goalscorer.
Messi is odds-on to score against Cape Verde, so backing the forward to open the scoring, which he has done in two of their three games, feels like the smarter route to go here against the minnows.
Lautaro Martinez to have 1+ shots on target
Argentina have plenty of threat elsewhere on the pitch, not least Lautaro Martinez who scored the second in their 3-1 win over Jordan last week.
With the South Americans set to dominate proceedings, plenty of chances should also fall to the Inter Milan striker, who has managed 1.3 efforts on goal per match so far and looks the more likely starter over Julian Alvarez in attack next to Messi.
Cape Verde to score under 0.5 goals
Cape Verde's progression has been one of the stories of the World Cup but it has been built on a solid defence rather than a dangerous attack, having failed to score in two of their three games so far.
Breaching the Argentine backline looks a tall order for the African island nation, so a clean sheet for the favourites feels like the reasonable option.
Argentina to score over 2.5 goals
Finally, and in line with our score prediction, we're tipping Messi and Co to score over 2.5 goals in Miami to reach the last 16.
While Cape Verde have defied all pre-tournament expectations to make it here, a knockout tie against the current World Cup holders feels like a step too far.
And having already scored eight across their three group games, Argentina look good value to manage at least three in this game.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create an Argentina vs Cape Verde Bet Builder. With Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet with other World Cup matches, and also with different sports.
Argentina vs Cape Verde takes place on Friday, July 3, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 11pm UK time.
Where can I watch Argentina vs Cape Verde?
Argentina vs Cape Verde will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Can you bet on Argentina vs Cape Verde?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Argentina vs Cape Verde markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
