World Cup 2026: ‘Your people should be proud of you’ – Messi’s touching message to Cape Verde hero Vozinha

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed the emotional exchange he shared with Lionel Messi after the Blue Sharks’ historic World Cup journey came to an end following a thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the Round of 32.

The 40-year-old veteran was one of the stars of the tournament, producing another outstanding display in Miami as Cape Verde pushed the defending champions to their limits in what many have described as one of the best matches of the competition so far.

Speaking after the game, Vozinha revealed that Messi personally sought him out following the final whistle and offered words that he will never forget.

“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 captain admitted he was overwhelmed by the respect shown by the Argentine icon after an unforgettable encounter that captured the imagination of football fans around the world.

Vozinha also disclosed how he thanked Messi before requesting a shirt swap, a dream he had spoken about even before the tournament began.

“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.”

The gesture carried extra significance for Vozinha, who had openly admitted before the knockout stage that facing Messi and exchanging jerseys with him represented one of the greatest ambitions of his football career.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Cape Verde leave the tournament with their reputation transformed. The World Cup debutants reached the knockout stages for the first time and came within minutes of forcing Argentina into a penalty shootout after twice coming from behind against the reigning world champions.

Vozinha was central to that remarkable run. The veteran goalkeeper finished the competition with 18 saves across four matches, including eight against Argentina alone, frustrating Messi on multiple occasions and earning widespread praise from supporters and pundits alike.

Messi himself was once again decisive, scoring his seventh goal of the tournament and his 20th in World Cup history, but he acknowledged the extraordinary challenge posed by the African underdogs. Argentina eventually advanced to face Egypt in the Round of 16, yet much of the post-match discussion focused on Cape Verde’s courage and determination.

For Vozinha, however, the memories that will last longest may not be the saves or the near-upset, but the embrace and words of encouragement from football’s greatest icon.

“Moments like these remain engraved in your heart forever,” the Cape Verde captain reflected after a night that ensured both he and his nation left the 2026 World Cup with their heads held high.