Argentina vs Cabo Verde: Updated Prediction & Best Bets

Updated for kickoff · Messi returns to the XI · Latest FanDuel odds

📖 Match Preview

Argentina swept Group J and now bring back their strongest available lineup for the first knockout test of their title defense. Lionel Scaloni's plan is straightforward: patient buildup through midfield, width from Molina and whoever plays left-back, and pockets for Messi to dictate the game from a slightly withdrawn role, with Romero and Lisandro Martínez's aggressive centre-back pairing (if Romero is fit) providing defensive cover behind it all.

Cabo Verde's plan hasn't changed all tournament — stay compact, stay disciplined, and make Argentina work for every yard. It's the same approach that held Spain scoreless in the opener. The country's president has publicly backed a 1-0 upset, and while that's almost certainly wishful thinking against a fully-loaded Argentina side, this Cabo Verde team has made a habit of exceeding expectations all summer.

📋 Predicted Lineups — Three Real Questions

⭐ Best Bets — FanDuel

All odds FanDuel Sportsbook, updated tonight · 3-Way Moneyline (90 min): Argentina -700 / Draw +650 / Cabo Verde +2000 · 2 Up Early Payout: Argentina -750 / Draw +700 / Cabo Verde +1900 · To Qualify (reg+ET+pens): Argentina -1800 / Cabo Verde +1120 · Anytime Goalscorer: Messi -200, Lautaro Martinez -120, Julian Alvarez -120, Almada +190, Enzo Fernandez +250, Mac Allister +350, De Paul +490, Romero +650, Molina +700, L.Martinez +800, Livramento +900 · To Score or Assist: Messi -425, Alvarez -220, Lautaro -185, Almada -125, Enzo Fernandez -105 · Player 1+ SOT: Messi -2000, Alvarez -650, Lautaro -475, Almada -190, Enzo Fernandez -165 · First Goalscorer: Messi +190, Lautaro +300, Alvarez +310, Almada +650, Enzo Fernandez +850, Mac Allister +1100 · Correct Score: Argentina 1-0 +600, 0-0 +1700, 0-1 +3500, 2-0 +420, 1-1 +1500, 0-2 +10000, 2-1 +1100, 2-2 +4500, 1-2 +6500, 3-0 +500, 3-1 +1200, 3-2 +5500, 4-0 +750, 4-1 +1900, 4-2 +8000 (extended grid to 8-0 available on FanDuel) · BTTS Yes +184 / No -240 · O/U 1.5: -550 / +390 · Messi confirmed returning to the starting XI, now on 7 consecutive World Cup games with a goal · Romero (knee) vs Otamendi at CB, Medina vs Tagliafico at LB, and Lautaro vs Alvarez as Messi's strike partner all genuinely uncertain · Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens FL · Tonight, Friday July 3, kickoff 6:00 PM ET · FOX/Telemundo · Winner faces Australia/Egypt winner in Round of 16 · Must be 21+ · Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER