Lionel Messi heaped praise on Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after the veteran shot-stopper delivered a standout performance in Argentina's 3-2 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory. Despite conceding three goals, Vozinha made a string of crucial saves almost eight and kept Cape Verde in the contest until the final whistle. After the match, Messi was seen embracing the goalkeeper and telling him, "You're a great goalkeeper," a gesture that quickly won admiration from fans. The heartfelt exchange highlighted the mutual respect between the two players, with many applauding Messi's humility and sportsmanship while also recognizing Vozinha's heroic display against the defending world champions.

Upon asked by a journalist to what the detailed conversation happened between Messi and Vozinha after the match concluded, Vozinha said "I approached him, and even before I could say much, he immediately hugged me and said: 'Good job. You're a really great goalkeeper. Your people must be so proud of you.' Hearing that from someone like Leo meant so much to me."

"I thanked him and replied: 'Thank you, Leo. You're the best.' Then I asked for his match jersey, he smiled and said: 'Of course. I'll give it to you in the locker room hallway.' Moments like this I'll remember for the rest of my life." he added.

At age 40, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was the standout star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, anchoring his team to the Round of 32. He recorded 18 total saves across the tournament, notably earning Man of the Match with seven saves in a historic 0-0 draw against Spain, and making eight heroic stops against Argentina.

Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Says he's 'Proud of the Team' despite defeat against Argentina

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha expressed immense pride in his teammates despite their 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Reflecting on the team's historic campaign, the veteran keeper praised the squad's determination, resilience, and fearless performances against some of the world's best teams. Vozinha emphasised that reaching the knockout stage and pushing the defending champions to the limit was a testament to the team's unity and hard work. Although disappointed with the result, he said the players would leave the tournament with their heads held high, believing their remarkable World Cup journey had inspired the nation and earned global respect.

"It was a great performance. Obviously the result is disappointing, but we have to be satisfied and proud. We have a fantastic group, players of very high quality. Football is like that." Vozinha said in a post-match interview.

Advancing to the Round of 32, Cape Verde faced defending champions Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Despite Lionel Messi opening the scoring, Cape Verde fought back twice, most notably with a spectacular long-range strike by Sidny Lopes Cabral to level the game at 2-2. Ultimately, Argentina secured a narrow 3-2 victory in extra time.

From the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup to drawing against Spain, Uruguay and taking defending champions to extra time - Cape Verde is the protagonist of the story of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.