Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha may have ended on the losing side against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the veteran shot-stopper walked away with a memory that will last a lifetime.

Following Cape Verde’s spirited Round of 32 performance, Lionel Messi reportedly made a special gesture for the 40-year-old goalkeeper and his family. According to a report by Goal.com, the Argentina captain asked his representatives to arrange four complimentary tickets so Vozinha’s family could watch the FIFA World Cup final from the stands. Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the title clash.

Vozinha reveals emotional conversation with Messi

After the match, Vozinha spoke about the moment he shared with Messi, describing it as one of the most memorable experiences of his career.

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As quoted by La Tercera, he said: “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 Cape Verde goalkeeper also revealed that he asked the Argentina captain if they could exchange shirts after the game. “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 tunnel after the interview,” he added.

Vozinha shines on historic World Cup debut

Cape Verde impressed during their first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign, producing several strong performances against some of the world’s top teams. The African nation remained unbeaten against 2010 champions Spain, who eventually lifted the trophy, and also held two-time world champions Uruguay during the tournament.

Their Round of 32 meeting with defending champions Argentina was another memorable display. Cape Verde twice fought back to level the score before eventually losing 3-2 after an own goal in the 111th minute.

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Argentina edge Cape Verde in extra time

Argentina opened the scoring in the 29th minute through Messi, who controlled a diagonal pass from Lisandro Martinez before finishing emphatically to register his seventh goal of the tournament.

Cape Verde responded after the interval when Ryan Mendes set up Deroy Duarte, who scored the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal to level the match.

Extra time produced more drama. Lisandro Martinez restored Argentina’s lead early before Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home another equaliser for Cape Verde. The decisive moment arrived in the 111th minute when Cristian Romero’s header from Messi’s corner took a deflection off Diney Borges before crossing the line.

Cape Verde nearly forced a penalty shootout in the closing moments, but Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save to deny Lopes Cabral’s free-kick, sealing Argentina’s place in the next round.

FAQs

What did Lionel Messi reportedly do for Vozinha’s family?

According to reports, Messi asked his representatives to arrange four World Cup final tickets for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s family.

What did Vozinha say Messi told him after the match?

Vozinha said Messi hugged him and told him, “You are great. Your people should be proud of you,” after Argentina’s World Cup win over Cape Verde.