'God of Football' Messi Praises Cape Verde's Cinderella Goalkeeper Vozinha
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Lionel Messi praised Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, calling him an "excellent goalkeeper" after their World Cup match.
- Cape Verde's journey in the 2026 World Cup ended with a 3-2 loss to defending champions Argentina in a hard-fought match.
- The article highlights Vozinha's performance, noting his significant increase in followers and his role as a key player for his team.
Lionel Messi, the celebrated "God of Football," has lauded Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, with high praise, calling him an "excellent goalkeeper." This recognition comes after a thrilling 2026 World Cup match where Cape Verde, the "surprise team," ultimately fell 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in extra time.
Vozinha has become a standout figure, experiencing a dramatic surge in popularity, with his social media followers reportedly skyrocketing from 50,000 to 24.7 million. His performance in the tournament has cemented his status as a key player for his nation, capturing the admiration of fans and football legends alike.
Despite the loss, Cape Verde's run in the World Cup has been described as a "beautiful journey." The team's spirited performance against a formidable opponent like Argentina has captured the hearts of many, marking them as one of the tournament's most inspiring stories.
You are a truly excellent goalkeeper.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.