Argentina's defence of their World Cup crown remains on track after surviving a monumental upset scare against Cape Verde in the round of 32. Lionel Messi and his teammates needed extra time to overcome the third-smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, with an own goal in the 111th minute sending the Albiceleste through to the round of 16, where they will face Egypt.
Having emerged from a group stage featuring Austria, Algeria, and Jordan without a loss, Argentina appeared a solid bet to reach at least the semi-finals again. However, the upcoming clash with Egypt now carries increased intrigue following the narrow escape against Cape Verde.
WAGs providing support
Argentina will rely on the backing of their wives and girlfriends to rediscover their form and move past the memory of that near-humiliation. Here are some of the stunning fans cheering them on.
Lisandro Martinez - Muri Lopez Benitez
Martinez's partner is Argentine dancer and model Muri Lopez Benitez. The couple are childhood sweethearts who met at age 14. Muri went viral in 2024 when her carnival outfit—or rather, its absence—caught attention, leaving little to the imagination.
Alexis Mac Allister - Ailen Cova
Ailen Cova and Mac Allister grew up together in Argentina, but their relationship turned romantic after Mac Allister's public and messy split with Camila Mayan in 2022. Mac Allister has publicly credited her with providing stability and happiness. The couple now live a quiet, devoted life together in Liverpool.
Enzo Fernandez - Valentina Cervantes
Valentina Cervantes, partner of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, is well known to football fans following a love triangle involving Mauro Icardi's ex-super WAG Wanda Nara. According to reports, Wanda slid into Fernandez's DMs; the £120m-valued star showed the message to his wife rather than replying, reportedly angering Wanda. Valentina was forced to furiously deny any secret conversations. Fernandez and Valentina are childhood sweethearts with an eight-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son. Their relationship faced earlier troubles after a split in October 2024 before reconciling.
Rodrigo De Paul - Tini Stoessel
Tini Stoessel is not just a pop star but one of Latin America's most powerful music icons, with nearly two decades in the spotlight. Her relationship with De Paul has dominated front pages since day one. After a brief split, the couple rekindled their romance and are now engaged, with a wedding planned for later this year.
Lautaro Martinez - Agustina Gandolfo
Agustina Gandolfo has built her own name by launching a food, wellness, and lifestyle business, amassing 1.6 million Instagram followers. She met Martinez when he played for Racing Club in Argentina and has supported his rise to becoming one of Europe's elite strikers at Inter Milan and a World Cup winner.
Nicolas Otamendi - Michele Otamendi
At 38, Otamendi is part of the old guard, supported by his wife Michele. She went viral in 2019 when a photo posted by Otamendi made it appear she had six toes, though the rumour of an extra digit is a visual illusion.
Lionel Messi - Antonela Roccuzzo
Antonela Roccuzzo has nearly 40 million Instagram followers and is the most recognisable WAG in North America. She and Messi are childhood sweethearts from Rosario, married in 2017, and have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Julian Alvarez - Maria Emilia Ferrero
Maria Emilia Ferrero and Julian Alvarez grew up in Cordoba but became a couple in 2020 as his career took off. She followed him to Manchester, working as a PE teacher while he won trophies. In early 2026, they welcomed son Amadeo after moving to Spain when Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2024. They may move again as the striker seeks a transfer to Barcelona.
