Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has revealed a heartfelt message he received from Lionel Messi after his team’s valiant performance against Argentina on FIFA World Cup.Despite losing 3-2 after extra time, World Cup hosts Cape Verde were widely praised for pushing defending champions Argentina to the final. Goalkeeper Vozinha played a key role in keeping his side in the competition, making eight saves against Argentina’s attack led by Messi.After the final whistle, Messi and Vozinha shared an emotional moment, with the Argentina captain acknowledging the incredible effort of the Cape Verdean team.“I went to Messi after the game. He hugged me and said, ‘You are great. Your people should be proud of you.’ It was a surprise to me,” said Vozinha.The former player described Messi’s feat as one of the most special moments of his career. After thanking the Argentine star, Vozinha also asked if he could change jerseys.“Hearing words like that from someone like Leo Messi means a lot to me. I thanked him and said, ‘Thank you, Leo. You are the best.’ Then I asked to exchange shirts. Leo said he would give it to me on the street after the interview,” he added.“Moments like these remain etched in your heart forever,” he said.Although the historic Cape Verde World Cup has come to an end, the team’s fearless display has caught the attention of the entire football world. Messi once again led Argentina forward, scoring his 20th World Cup goal – extending his record and moving two goals clear of Kylian Mbappé on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.Argentina eventually progressed to the Round of 16, but only after surviving one of the toughest tests of their defense against Cape Verde.
