Lionel Scaloni Respects Cape Verde, Bubista Is Enthusiastic About Facing Argentina

Defending champions Argentina are heading into their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 fixture with full vigilance. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Cape Verde did not advance through sheer luck. Meanwhile Cape Verde manager Bubista described the opportunity to face Lionel Messi and his squad as a gift for his nation.

The two sides will clash at Miami Stadium, United States this Sunday WIB, competing for one available spot in the Round of 16.

Despite being tournament debutants, Cape Verde stands as the only first-time World Cup participant still remaining at the 2026 edition, after Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan were all knocked out in earlier fixtures.

The Blue Sharks' path to the knockout phase has also drawn widespread attention. They held European champions Spain to a goalless draw, played out a 2-2 tie against Uruguay, then secured another 0-0 stalemate versus Saudi Arabia.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni assessed that this run of results is clear proof of Cape Verde's quality as a side.

"We are not surprised at all that they qualified. They did not end up here by coincidence. We will show them full respect, that is non-negotiable for us," Scaloni stated via the official FIFA website.

Scaloni specifically highlighted Cape Verde's organised game structure, which has consistently troubled elite sides throughout the entire group stage.

"They defended exceptionally well against both Spain and Uruguay. They are highly skilled at cutting off passing lanes in midfield before launching fast counter attacks," he added.

With three points collected from three consecutive draws, Cape Verde finished as Group H runners-up behind Spain, finishing above both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the final group standings.

The winner of this match will progress to the Round of 16, where they will face the victor of the Australia vs Egypt knockout duel.

In the opposing camp, Cape Verde head coach Bubista is approaching the fixture with huge excitement. For him, facing Argentina is a historic moment for every one of his players, as well as the entire population of his home country.

"We share a very strong bond with Argentina. This chance to play against them is a gift for our players, this whole team, and every single one of our people," Bubista said.

While acknowledging his side is currently on an extraordinary tournament run, Bubista stressed that his squad will not take the pitch only to defend.

"We are living out a dream right now, but once we cross that white line onto the pitch we do not fixate on who stands opposite us. We will approach this match exactly the same way we played against Spain and every other opponent," Bubista explained.

The 56-year-old coach confirmed he has spent the entire past week analysing every one of Argentina's group stage matches, including reviewing all six goals scored by Lionel Messi during this phase.

Per Bubista's assessment, Messi does not only decide match outcomes - he operates as the entire focal point of Argentina's game system, alongside Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.

"For all of us, it is an immense honour to face the player that billions around the world regard as the greatest of all time," he concluded.