In Miami Gardens, a tiny Atlantic archipelago pushed the reigning world champions to the edge of disaster and, in the process, rewrote its own football history.

Cape Verde’s World Cup adventure ended in a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the round of 32, a result that mixed heartbreak with a deep sense of pride. Twice the tournament debutants came from behind, refusing to be overawed by Lionel Messi and a side many expected to sweep them aside with ease. Only a 111th-minute winner finally broke their resistance.

Coach Bubista, the architect of Cape Verde’s rise, struggled to balance disappointment with admiration for his players’ audacity.

“I don’t think any other team could have scored two goals against Argentina,” he said. “It shows the character of our team and how skilled they are. We did our best and we did it with bravery. I’m so proud of what my players did.”

For long stretches, Cape Verde matched Argentina in intensity and ambition, pressing high, counterattacking with purpose and defending with a collective desperation that belied their status as World Cup newcomers. Their ability to equalise twice, Bubista added, was proof of a mentality forged far from football’s traditional power centres.

“Being able to equalise twice shows how resilient our team is,” he said. “I can only thank the team for their effort and showing so much heart.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that his side had been dragged into a battle they had not anticipated.

“I have to give credit to our opponents,” Scaloni said. “When people say there’s no such thing as an easy opponent, today Cape Verde proved they’re a great team.”

The tournament had already turned Cape Verde into one of its most compelling stories. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, became an unlikely star after a defiant performance in a goalless draw against European champions Spain, then helped anchor a 2-2 thriller with Uruguay that produced the country’s first-ever World Cup goals.

“Our team fought. Our team did everything it could to win the match,” Vozinha said. “We’re sad about the result. But we have every reason to be satisfied and proud of the match we played and of everything we achieved during this World Cup.”

With a population roughly 1% the size of Argentina’s, Cape Verde leave with global respect, a transformative $11 million in FIFA prize money and a new sense of what is possible.

“We may be a small country but we can play against the best teams,” Bubista said. “The players have to be proud for their performance throughout the tournament and representing our country.”