Vozinha Ready for Messi Test

The 40-year-old recently said he hoped to one day stand between the posts against Messi on football's biggest stage. That wish is now set to come true as Cape Verde take on defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.

Cape Verde have already produced one of the biggest stories of the 2026 World Cup. The tiny African island nation became the smallest country in World Cup history to reach the knockout stage, finishing runners-up in Group H without losing a match.

They held former world champions Spain and Uruguay to draws before earning another point against Saudi Arabia to secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Vozinha has been one of the key figures behind that remarkable achievement.

The experienced goalkeeper kept clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia and conceded only twice against Uruguay. His performance against Spain, where he made seven outstanding saves, earned widespread praise.

Overall, his 11 saves during the group stage played a major role in Cape Verde's historic qualification.

His toughest challenge, however, now awaits in Miami.

Standing in front of him will be tournament joint-top scorer Lionel Messi, who has scored six goals and found the net in every World Cup match so far.

Vozinha has never hidden his admiration for the Argentine captain.

"I hope that one day I can play against Messi because, for me, he is an extraordinary footballer. I believe not only I, but many people around the world admire him," he said.

That dream is now about to become reality.

Cape Verde's defence, marshalled by Roberto "Pico" Lopes, has earned a reputation as one of the tournament's most disciplined backlines. However, assistant coach Humberto Bettencourt said the team has no special plan to mark Messi individually.

Instead, Cape Verde will rely on their collective defensive organisation to contain the three-time world champions.

For Argentina, the match is another step in their bid to retain the World Cup title. For Vozinha and his teammates, it is an opportunity to extend their fairy-tale run while turning one of the greatest dreams of the veteran goalkeeper's career into reality.

MMR