Argentina's campaign, remarkably, has been led by the 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who turned back the clock to produce the goods in the group stage as he found the back of the net six times.

In doing so, Messi became the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 19 and is on a record seven-game scoring streak in the competition.

Many believed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was headed for semi-retirement when he swapped top level European football for Major League Soccer after ending his long to wait to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

But Messi has defied expectations, both with his impact on football in the United States and his ability to continue deciding games at international level, with head coach Lionel Scaloni building his Argentina side around their mercurial captain.

That, however, had led to suggestions that Argentina are too dependent on Messi, which Scaloni dispelled.

"We would love to spread the goals across the whole team but we are getting the job done," said the tactician, who will send his side out with a warning to not underestimate Cabo Verde.

"This is a team that hasn't lost. They aren't here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do."

Cabo Verde have won hearts with their indomitable spirit and will have their fair share of fans in the Miami Stadium, which will be decked in the colours of Argentina.

The battling goalless draw with Spain was a prelude of what was to come from the tiny African nation and playing Argentina will not faze them.

Midfielder Deroy Duarte said: "Our first objective was to go to the World Cup, our second was to pass the group stage, and this is what we did.

"Everything is an honour and a reward, and we see Argentina as a game like this - another chance to make history. So why not? We will give everything and then at the end of the game we will see."

Argentina v Cabo Verde
Venue: Miami Stadium (Miami Gardens)
Kick-off: 18:00 (UTC-4)