Messi Magic Could Light Up Cape Verde Clash
Lionel Messi remains Argentina's biggest attacking threat and looks well placed to make his mark against a Cape Verde side likely to spend long periods defending.
Match: Argentina vs Cape Verde
League / Competition: World Cup
Our Pick: Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer
Odds: 1.85
Market: Player Props
Analyst Confidence: 4/5
Argentina come into this knockout clash as strong favourites and should dominate possession for large spells. Against a Cape Verde side expected to defend deep, Lionel Messi is likely to be heavily involved in Argentina's attacking play around the final third.
Messi remains the main creative and scoring outlet for Argentina, while his set-piece threat and penalty responsibility add extra appeal in the anytime goalscorer market. In matches where Argentina are expected to control territory and create chances, Messi is always one of the strongest scoring options.
Cape Verde have performed well to reach this stage, but this is a major step up in quality. If Argentina create the volume of chances expected, Messi should get enough opportunities to find the net.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Cape Verde
Best Bet: Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer