Cape Verde’s World Cup dream ended in heartbreak in Miami, but their narrow extra-time defeat to Argentina has transformed the tiny Atlantic nation into one of the stories of the tournament.

The Blue Sharks, representing a population of roughly half a million, twice came from behind against the reigning champions before an own goal in extra time handed Argentina a 3-2 victory and a place in the last 16.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a precise finish past goalkeeper Vozinha, seemingly setting up a routine night for the South Americans. Instead, Cape Verde responded with the same fearlessness that had defined their debut campaign. Deroy Duarte levelled after combining with captain Ryan Mendes, drilling his shot through Lisandro Martínez’s legs and beyond Emiliano Martínez.

Argentina poured forward, but Cape Verde’s resistance grew. Vozinha produced a string of outstanding saves, while Pico Lopes made a crucial goal-line clearance to drag the game into extra time and stun a stadium packed with Albiceleste supporters.

Early in extra time, Lisandro Martínez restored Argentina’s lead from close range after a flick-on from Alexis Mac Allister. Again, Cape Verde refused to fold. Sidny Lopes Cabral delivered one of the goals of the tournament, slaloming past Mac Allister before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner to make it 2-2.

The comeback, however, ended in cruel fashion. With legs tiring and pressure mounting, Diney Borges inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net in the 111th minute, finally breaking Cape Verde’s resistance.

Across Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, social media erupted in admiration. Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh hailed their “lack of complex” and aggressive, technical style. Gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey called them “warriors” and insisted “Africa salutes you,” while political figures and football analysts alike described the team as having “made Africa beyond proud.”

Argentines joined the applause. Messi praised Cape Verde’s “great performance” and warned that “no one gives you anything for free” at a World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had been pushed to the limit and said it would have been “madness” to underestimate the African debutants.

Cape Verde leave their first World Cup unbeaten in regulation time, having drawn with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before falling to Argentina in extra time. Their exit may be final, but their impact on the tournament – and on African football’s sense of possibility – is likely to endure far longer.