Argentina's Messi shares memorable moment with Cape Verde’s

Argentina triumphed over Cape Verde 3-2 in an extra-time thriller, featuring Lionel Messi's two goals and a memorable interaction with defender Roberto Pico Lopes.

Lionel Messi said don't touch me: Argentina legend's conversation

Why this matters

Argentina's victory over Cape Verde not only secures their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 but also highlights Lionel Messi's pivotal role in the team's success. His two goals in the match demonstrate his enduring impact on the field, reinforcing his status as a key player for La Albiceleste as they aim for another World Cup title. The match also showcased Cape Verde's commendable debut, capturing the hearts of fans and adding to the tournament's narrative.

Background

Lionel Messi's interaction with Cape Verde's Roberto Pico Lopes during the match adds a personal touch to the narrative, illustrating the respect and awe that players have for him. Lopes' playful attempt to confirm Messi's presence on the field reflects the Argentine's legendary status, even among opponents. This incident not only highlights Messi's match impact but also enriches the story of the tournament as it unfolds.

Key Takeaways

Lionel Messi said don't touch me: Argentina legend's conversation.
Argentina triumphed over Cape Verde 3-2 in an extra-time thriller, featuring Lionel Messi's two goals and a memorable interaction with defender Roberto Pico Lopes.
Lionel Messi said don't touch me: Argentina legend's conversation with Cape Verde star revealed.

Argentina has successfully advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they are set to face Switzerland. This journey to the last eight saw La Albiceleste take on Cape Verde, a team making their tournament debut and capturing hearts worldwide with their commendable performances. In an exhilarating encounter, Argentina narrowly defeated the African side 3-2 after extra time, with Lionel Messi once again showcasing his extraordinary talent by netting two goals. During this memorable match, a particular incident stood out when Lionel Messi appeared to have a brief confrontation with Cape Verde's defender, Roberto Pico Lopes. Lopes later opened up about the exchange during an interview with Irish TV channel RTE Sport. He explained that his intention behind the push was merely to confirm that Messi was indeed in front of him and not just a figment of his imagination. "Yes, it was nothing really. I just saw him come into my eyeline and gave him a little push just to make sure he was real. I had to touch him to make sure he was human. He didn't take too kindly to it," Lopes shared during a talk show. After the playful shove, Messi reacted by telling Lopes, "That's a foul. There's no ball here. Don't touch me." Despite the initial tension, the two players continued to engage in friendly banter. By halftime, Lopes clarified to Messi that he needed to make sure he was aware of his presence on the pitch, adding, "Look, I just need to touch you because if you are behind me, I am in deep trouble." Ultimately, the two exchanged handshakes, signaling the end of the light-hearted altercation. Lionel Messi's performance against Cape Verde was nothing short of stellar, as he led his team to victory with his vital contributions. With this win, Argentina not only displayed their prowess but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the beautiful game. As Argentina prepares for their next clash against Switzerland, fans are eager to see if Messi can continue to inspire his team and lead them further in this prestigious tournament. ![Image](https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA27AfvM.img?w=1012&h=569&m=6&x=183&y=0&s=467&d=99)

What happens next

Looking ahead, Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, where Messi's experience and skill will be crucial for their season outlook. The team's performance against Cape Verde sets a positive tone, but they will need to maintain their momentum against a strong Swiss side. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Messi to see if he can lead Argentina further in their quest for glory in the World Cup 2026.