Tottenham star Cristian Romero is the hero after spearheading Argentina to the World Cup round of 16 | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero scored the winning goal as Argentina claimed a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup yesterday.

The Spurs star rose to meet a Lionel Messi corner, which he headed on to a Cape Verdean hand before the ball rolled into the far corner.

The Africans pushed the South Americans to the brink, coming back twice to force extra time in a commendable display.

They had the reigning world champions on the ropes, giving them a fright for the ages. It was a sensational showing for the debutants.

However, Argentina and Romero are into the round of 16 of the tournament, where they’ll continue their bid to add a third star to their crest.

Argentina claimed the win with the Tottenham captain delivering a phenomenal performance despite missing a massive chance.

Romero won six out of nine duels, completed 112/117 passes, made three progressive carries, and completed two out of four long balls.

The Tottenham hierarchy will be watching Romero’s performances.

Spurs have added Jan Paul Van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to their ranks this summer. They will join Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven and Romero in the squad.

Luka Vuskovic has been sold, and Radu Dragusin is poised to follow him out the door.

It is unclear whether Tottenham will fight hard to keep Romero if suitors come with the right amount for a player who has pushed for an exit at multiple points.

He may have signed a new deal, but questions about his future persist, especially with Spurs now stacked in the rearguard.