Iker Casillas, the former Spain and Real Madrid shotstopper, praised Cabo Verde after their 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 6.
What happened?
Cabo Verde put up a spirited fight against Lionel Messi's Argentina, with Deroy Duarte scoring an equalizer in the 59th minute to force the game into extra time.
Reaction from Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas wrote: "Just for seeing the joy of the people of Cape Verde, it's worth it!! How beautiful football is!" after the match.
Praise from other footballers
Other footballers, including Rio Ferdinand and Daniel Sturridge, also praised Cabo Verde's performance, with Ferdinand saying "Ohmyyyy Cape Verde!!! What a goal WOW" and Sturridge claiming "Cape Verde may not lift the World Cup, but they’re already winners".
What's next for Argentina?
Argentina will face off against Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 7, after surviving the scare from Cabo Verde.
Lionel Messi extended his FIFA World Cup goalscoring record with another scintillating goal against Cabo Verde, taking his total to 20 goals in 30 appearances.
Cabo Verde's exceptional World Cup campaign came to an end with the 3-2 loss, but they won the hearts of many with their fighting spirit and beautiful football.
And so, Iker Casillas and other footballers were quick to praise Cabo Verde's performance, acknowledging their efforts and dedication to the sport.
But the match was not without its dramatic moments, with Lisandro Martinez scoring early in extra time to restore Argentina's lead, only for Sidny Lopes Cabral to score a thunderous strike and restore parity for Cabo Verde.
So, in the end, it was a late corner from Messi that sealed the win for Argentina, with Diney deflecting the ball into his own net in the 111th minute.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen some incredible performances so far, and Cabo Verde's match against Argentina was no exception.
With the World Cup heating up, fans can expect more thrilling matches and exceptional performances from their favorite teams and players.
Iker Casillas' praise for Cabo Verde is a testament to the team's spirit and dedication to the sport, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see what's next for them.
The match between Argentina and Cabo Verde will be remembered for its excitement and drama, with both teams giving it their all and leaving everything on the pitch.
In the end, Argentina's experience and skill won out, but Cabo Verde's performance will not be forgotten anytime soon.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, fans can expect more surprises and upsets, and teams will need to be at the top of their game to make it to the final.
Cabo Verde may not have won the match, but they won the hearts of many with their performance, and Iker Casillas' praise is a reflection of that.
The World Cup is a time for teams to come together and showcase their skills, and Cabo Verde's match against Argentina was a perfect example of that.
With the tournament heating up, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what's next for their favorite teams and players, and Iker Casillas' praise for Cabo Verde is just the beginning.