What Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinia Said Before Facing Lionel Messi's Argentina
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinia has become one of the biggest stories of FIFA World Cup 2026 after leading his nation into the Round of 32, where Argentina awaits.
June 28, 2026: Before the FIFA World Cup 2026, very few football fans outside Cape Verde knew the name Vozinia. Today, the experienced goalkeeper has become one of the biggest stories of the tournament. His outstanding performances between the posts have earned him worldwide praise and helped him gain more than a million followers on Instagram in just a short time. More importantly, he has played a vital role in Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup journey.
The tournament debutants shocked many by drawing against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, securing a historic place in the Round of 32. They will now face defending champions Argentina in what promises to be the biggest match in the country's football history. Just a few weeks ago, such a moment seemed almost impossible, but Cape Verde have turned that dream into reality.
"Playing against Argentina is a dream for any player"
After the draw against Saudi Arabia, Vozinia admitted that the chance to face Argentina is a special moment for everyone in the squad. He said playing against the reigning world champions, and especially Lionel Messi, is something every footballer dreams of experiencing. "Playing against Argentina will be a great event for us. Playing against Argentina and Lionel Messi is a dream for any player," Vozinia said.
🚨🔙 Vozinha(Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper) :
"I hope one day to play against Messi, because for me he is an exceptional player, and I believe there are many people who share this admiration with me”
He’s set to live his dream in his next World Cup game ❤️pic.twitter.com/GPQcR40ZlP
— MC (@CrewsMat10) June 27, 2026
The goalkeeper had already captured the attention of football fans around the world after producing a brilliant display to help Cape Verde hold Spain to a goalless draw in their opening World Cup match. His inspiring personal story also won hearts after it emerged that his mother had initially been unable to travel to the United States because she could not arrange the money in time. Thanks to later support, she was finally able to make the journey and watched her son help Cape Verde secure a historic place in the knockout stage from the stands.
Reflecting on Cape Verde's remarkable achievement, Vozinia said that although many people expected the team to struggle at the World Cup, the players always believed in their own ability. He explained that the squad knew they had enough quality to compete with some of the strongest teams in the world and proved it with disciplined performances throughout the group stage. "None of us probably imagined something like this, but we always believed in ourselves as a team.
Many people thought we would not even win a single match, but this squad has players who can compete at the highest level," he said. The goalkeeper also spoke proudly about representing his country on the biggest stage in football. "We have shown how deep our love for our country is. We are not only representing ourselves but every Cape Verdean around the world. We may be a small country, but our hearts are big, and we know how to fight." For the small West African island nation of just over 530,000 people, which qualified for the World Cup by defeating Cameroon, reaching the Round of 32 is already one of the greatest moments in its sporting history. Now, with Argentina waiting next, Cape Verde have another opportunity to create an unforgettable chapter in their fairy-tale journey.
