Scaloni acknowledged that the contest was far less comfortable than many had predicted, especially after Cape Verde's second equaliser raised the prospect of a major upset.

Sidny Lopes Cabral unleashed a sensational strike into the top corner to level the score at 2-2 and keep Cape Verde's dream alive.

An own goal from Diney Borges under pressure from Argentina's Cristian Romero in the 111th minute settled the match in Miami and reigning champions Argentina move on to face Egypt.

Argentina and Cape Verde are set to meet for the first time, and the stakes could not be any higher as both teams look to book their place in the World Cup Round of 16.