Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed an emotional conversation with Lionel Messi following his side’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Argentina, saying the football legend offered words of encouragement after the final whistle.
The 39-year-old goalkeeper, whose remarkable performances made him one of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said meeting Messi after the match was a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.
“I went up to Lionel Messi after the game. He congratulated me on our tournament and told me to keep going. Those words meant a lot coming from one of the greatest players in football history,” Vozinha said.
Cape Verde’s dream World Cup run came to an end after a hard-fought defeat to defending champions Argentina. Despite the loss, the African nation’s historic campaign won admiration across the footballing world, with Vozinha emerging as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The veteran shot-stopper produced a string of sensational saves throughout the competition, helping Cape Verde upset higher-ranked opponents and reach the knockout stage for the first time. His heroics earned widespread praise and turned him into an overnight global sensation.
Vozinha admitted that although the elimination was heartbreaking, the experience of competing on football’s biggest stage and receiving recognition from Messi made the journey unforgettable.
The goalkeeper also expressed pride in what Cape Verde achieved, saying the squad had shown that determination and belief could help smaller footballing nations compete with the world’s elite.
Having captured the imagination of fans during the tournament, Vozinha’s inspiring performances and his post-match interaction with Messi have further cemented his status as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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