Pakistan, July 4 -- Defending champions Argentina survived a major upset scare after edging Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, overcoming a spirited performance from the tournament debutants in a thrilling knockout clash.

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Argentina took the lead in the 29th minute when captain Lionel Messi finished calmly after collecting a long pass from Lisandro Martinez. The goal was Messi's seventh of the tournament and his 20th across six FIFA World Cup appearances, giving the South American side an early advantage.

Cape Verde, making its first appearance at the World Cup, refused to back down and equalised shortly before the hou...