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Lionel Messi Praises Cape Verde Keeper After 3-2 World Cup Win

2026-07-06 · Lionel Messi · Match Report

Lionel Messi Praises Cape Verde Keeper After 3-2 World Cup Win

Lionel Messi praised Cape Verde veteran goalkeeper Vozinha after Argentina edged the African side 3-2 in extra time on 2 Dec 2022, a moment that captured global attention.

What happened?

The round-of-32 clash at the 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Argentina needing a late goal to survive. Messi scored the winner in the 108th minute, sealing a 3-2 comeback. After the final whistle, the Argentine captain walked over to the opposing keeper, hugged him and said, “You are great, your people should be proud of you.”

Why it matters for Lionel Messi

Messi’s words gave Vozinha, 40, a rare spotlight on football’s biggest stage. The Argentine star’s endorsement carries weight; a simple compliment from a player of his stature can boost a keeper’s reputation worldwide. It also reinforces Messi’s image as a leader who respects opponents, a trait that fans and pundits often highlight when assessing his legacy.

How Vozinha responded

Vozinha posted the exchange on Instagram, describing the hug as “incredible” and saying the praise would stay “engraved in your heart forever.” Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes called the keeper “a quality, quality goalkeeper” who finally received deserved recognition. Coach Bubista added that the team’s performance, despite the loss, would be remembered in the nation’s football history.

What’s next for Messi and Vozinha?

Argentina moved on to face Egypt on 7 July 2026 in the next World Cup cycle, with Messi expected to lead the attack once more. Vozinha’s contract with a Portuguese second-division club expired, and reports suggest he is eyeing a move to Brazil. His World Cup showing could attract offers, giving the 40-year-old a chance to extend his playing career beyond Europe.

Broader impact

The encounter highlighted how World Cup moments can elevate lesser-known players. Messi’s simple gesture turned a routine post-match routine into a story that resonated across continents, reminding fans that football’s drama isn’t limited to the stars but also to the unsung heroes who guard the net.

More Lionel Messi news →