Cape Verde Coach Bubista Warns Messi and Argentina: ‘Nothing is Impossible’ Ahead of Round of 32 Clash

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has declared that “nothing is impossible” as the Blue Sharks gear up to face defending World Cup champions Argentina and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The island nation secured their place in the knockout rounds after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Houston, finishing as runners-up in their group. The result confirmed a blockbuster tie against Argentina, scheduled for July 3 in Miami.

Speaking following the historic qualification, an emotional Bubista — draped in Cape Verde‘s national flag — made clear his side would not arrive at the fixture in awe of their opponents. “To us, nothing is impossible. Ourselves and the people of Cape Verde have to be proud of what the team has done,” the coach declared.

While acknowledging the magnitude of facing Messi’s Argentina, Bubista framed the occasion as a source of pride rather than fear. “First of all, we are proud to be able to play Argentina. Of course, for our team, for the players and for all our people, it is a reason to be joyful,” he said.

Cape Verde’s run to the knockout stage has been built on defensive resilience. The Blue Sharks went through the group phase unbeaten, registering three draws — including a notable 0-0 result against European champions Spain in their first-ever World Cup appearance. The achievement sees Cape Verde match the feat recorded by Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when the Super Eagles also reached the Round of 32 in their tournament debut.

Beyond the results on the pitch, Bubista highlighted the broader strategic value of the campaign for his country. “From the very beginning, we’ve said that one of the purposes we had was to show our country to the rest of the world. To be able to play Argentina and Messi in a phase like this is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself,” he explained.

The Cape Verde coach also positioned his side’s progress within a wider continental and global context. “Of course we represent our country, but we also represent Africa. And beyond that, we represent the small countries around the world,” Bubista said.

Argentina, meanwhile, arrive at the fixture as the tournament’s most decorated side. Lionel Scaloni’s team are the reigning world champions having lifted the trophy at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and Messi remains the central figure around whom their campaign is built. According to reports, Scaloni indicated Messi could be rested for Argentina’s preceding fixture against Jordan, potentially ensuring the forward is fresh for the Cape Verde encounter.

The match represents a significant moment for African football at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde becoming one of the continent’s most compelling stories of the tournament. A number of African nations qualified for the expanded edition, and Cape Verde’s progress into the last 32 has drawn widespread attention to the region’s growing footballing depth.