DistantNews
Support us
'God of Football' Messi Praises Cape Verde's Cinderella Goalkeeper Vozinha
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

'God of Football' Messi Praises Cape Verde's Cinderella Goalkeeper Vozinha

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • 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.

โ€” Lionel MessiPraising Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha after their World Cup match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.