FIFA World Cup 2026: Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha recalls emotional Messi exchange after Argentina clash
Miami, July 5
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha shared an emotional post-match interaction with Argentina captain Lionel Messi, recalling a heartfelt exchange following their encounter that left a lasting impression on him.
Speaking after the match, Vozinha said Messi hugged him and offered words of encouragement that deeply moved the goalkeeper, according to La Tercera, as quoted by Goal.com.
Speaking after the match, Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed a touching post-match moment with Messi that he says will stay with him forever. The goalkeeper recounted the exchange, saying, as quoted by La Tercera: "I went up to Messi after the game. He hugged me and said, You are great. Your people should be proud of you. That was incredible for me. Hearing words like that from someone like Leo Messi means a lot to me."
The Cabo Verde goalkeeper further revealed that he requested Messi's shirt as a keepsake from the meeting, adding that the Argentina captain agreed to the exchange after the post-match media duties.
He added that the moment did not end there, revealing he had asked the Argentinian captain for a keepsake from the encounter: "I thanked him and said, Thank you, Leo. You are the best. Then I asked if we could swap shirts. Leo said he would give it to me in the tunnels after the interview."
Coming to the match, Cabo Verde, making their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages, started brightly and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes before the South American giants gradually asserted control.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lionel Messi produced a moment of brilliance, controlling Lisandro Martinez's diagonal pass before firing into the roof of the net. The strike marked his seventh goal of the tournament, taking him to the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Argentina looked comfortable before halftime, but Cabo Verde returned with renewed intensity after the break. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark when Mendes released Deroy Duarte, who finished confidently from a tight angle to score his country's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal and level the contest.
Despite creating several chances, Argentina were repeatedly denied by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, whose outstanding saves from Messi kept the scores level and forced the match into extra time.
Argentina restored their advantage almost immediately after extra time began as Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner in the 92nd minute. Yet Cabo Verde refused to back down, with Sidny Lopes Cabral producing a stunning curling effort in the 103rd minute from a tight angle to make it 2-2 once again.
The decisive moment came in the second half of extra time when Messi's corner was met by Romero, whose powerful header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges before finding the back of the net in the 111th minute.
Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties late on, but Emiliano Martinez produced a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral's powerful free-kick and secure Argentina's progress.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the Round of 16, while Cabo Verde exit the tournament after earning widespread praise for their debut World Cup campaign.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I know how much moments like these mean for smaller nations. Cabo Verde showed incredible spirit - coming back twice against Argentina! Vozinha was outstanding. Messi recognizing his performance is something his family will cherish forever. This is why I love the World Cup.
Great story, but let's be honest - Argentina shouldn't have needed extra time against a debutant team in the knockout stage. Vozinha kept them in it, but Argentina's attack looked disjointed without their usual rhythm. Messi was brilliant as always, but the team needs to step up. Egypt could be a tougher test.
This is why I'll never get tired of watching Messi. He's not just a genius on the pitch but a true gentleman off it. What he said to Vozinha - "Your people should be proud of you" - that's leadership. Cabo Verde may have lost, but they won millions of hearts today. What a debut! 🇨🇻❤️
Beautiful sportsmanship from both players! But didn't Messi already give his shirt to someone else after the match? I think I saw him swap with another Argentine player. Hope Vozinha still got his keepsake. Anyway, Cabo Verde should be proud - they proved they belong at this level. Football is the winner today.
What a story! This reminds me of the respect Sachin Tendulkar used to show to young cricketers. True legends never forget to uplift others. Vozinha's performance was heroic - those saves against Messi were world-class. Cabo
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