'Nothing is impossible'- Cape Verde's World Cup dream lives on with Argentina showdown

The African nation secured second place in Group H after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston. The result booked a last-32 clash against Lionel Messi and Argentina in Miami on July 3.

Bubista said his players had already achieved something special and insisted they would approach the knockout match with confidence.

"To us, nothing is impossible," Bubista said after the final whistle while proudly wearing his country's flag.

He praised his squad for exceeding expectations and said everyone in Cape Verde should celebrate the team's achievement.

"Ourselves and the people of Cape Verde have to be proud of what the team has done," he said.

Cape Verde, an island nation off the west coast of Africa with a population of just over 500,000, have become one of the stories of the tournament. Ranked 67th in the world, they remained unbeaten in the group stage with three draws, including an impressive 0-0 result against European champions Spain in their first-ever World Cup match.

Bubista said reaching the knockout stage had given the country global recognition.

"First of all, we are proud to be able to play Argentina," he said.

"Of course, for our team, for the players and for all our people, it is a reason to be joyful."

He added: "From the very beginning, we've said that one of the purposes we had was to show our country to the rest of the world.

"And to be able to play Argentina and Messi in a phase like this is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself."

The coach also hoped Cape Verde's success would inspire other smaller football nations.

"Of course we represent our country, but we also represent Africa. And beyond that, we represent the small countries around the world," Bubista said.

"And this is our mission. We are an example that shows that if you work with focus and determination, sooner or later you will arrive at your goal."