Messi praises Cape Verde's 'amazing goalkeeper' Vozinha after World Cup clash

Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha revealed a touching exchange with Lionel Messi following their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match, where Argentina narrowly defeated the island nation 3-2 after extra time. Vozinha, who was instrumental in keeping the score close with 12 saves over 120 minutes, received high praise from the Argentine superstar.

Messi, unfamiliar with Vozinha before the match, expressed his astonishment at the goalkeeper's performance. "I had never heard of him before this World Cup. I heard he was 40 years old, and today I was really surprised by his performance," Messi reportedly told Vozinha, according to Spanish media outlet Cadena SER.

Cape Verde, with a population of just 520,000, made its debut in the World Cup and emerged as a surprise team. They advanced to the Round of 32 by securing three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. Despite facing the formidable Argentinian side led by Messi, Cape Verde fought hard, equalizing in the second half and pushing the match into extra time, ultimately succumbing to a late goal.

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I had never heard of him before this World Cup. I heard he was 40 years old, and today I was really surprised by his performance.