Cape Verde's stunning progress to the World Cup knockout stages is "no accident" said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni as he warned his side about the threat posed by the Blue Sharks in their last 32 tie.
Led by the brilliance of Lionel Messi's six goals in three games, the defending champions cruised through the group stage and appear to have a kind draw towards the semi-finals.
Australia or Egypt await in the last 16 if Argentina end the Cape Verde dream in Miami on Friday, while Switzerland or Colombia are likely quarter-final opponents for La Albiceleste.
However, Scaloni is not looking beyond Cape Verde, who drew all three of their group games, including against Spain, to progress ahead of Uruguay in Group H.
"This is a team that hasn't lost," said Scaloni ahead of his 100th match in charge of Argentina.
"They aren't here by accident. We have to respect them, and that is what we will do."
Messi's stunning performances at the age of 39 have lit up the World Cup so far.
But six of Argentina's eight goals so far have come from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The other two came against already eliminated Jordan from Giovani Lo Celso's free-kick and a Lautaro Martinez penalty.
"We would love to spread the goals across the whole team," added Scaloni, but he played down the suggestions his side have become over-reliant on Messi.
Argentina could be on a collision course for a repeat of the final four years ago, when they edged France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Les Bleus look like the team to beat at the World Cup so far as they have stormed into the last 16, scoring 13 goals in their four games, with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele forming a fearsome attack.
"What France has done is eye-catching. They are a great team," said Scaloni.
'Match of our lives'
Cape Verde head coach Bubista said a showdown against Argentina and Messi will be the "match of our lives" but said they will not fear the defending World Cup champions in Friday's last 32 clash.
The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people have progressed to the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup.
"We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about," Bubista told his pre-match press conference.
"We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best."
Argentina are among the favourites to retain their title and secure a fourth World Cup crown after Messi scored six times in three dominant group stage wins.
However, Bubista said his side will not be intimidated by facing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and the side ranked first in the world.
"There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round," he added.
Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitao Brito warned that his team has the ability to "hurt" Argentina.
"We believe in ourselves and our strengths, our players and our team. We know this will be a very difficult game, but we can hurt our opponent. We are brave and ambitious and we will play to win," Brito said.
"We are here on merit. In the last three matches we have shown we can compete at a high level. We know the quality of our opponent, but we also have our dream."
