Messi vs. Vozinha World Cup qualifier draws 3.6% viewership in South Korea

A World Cup qualifier match featuring football superstar Lionel Messi against Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha captivated South Korean audiences, achieving a 3.6% national viewership rating on KBS2. This figure significantly outshone competing programs, which garnered less than 1% viewership during the same time slot.

The highly anticipated match, held on June 4th (KST), saw Argentina narrowly defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after overtime. The game was lauded as one of the most exciting matches of the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, often referred to as the 'best shield,' earned widespread admiration for his numerous saves against Messi's powerful shots.

Commentator Lee Young-pyo described the game as the "best match of this World Cup," emphasizing that while Argentina secured the victory, Cape Verde also delivered a performance that left no losers. The sentiment among viewers and analysts was that both teams emerged as winners from the thrilling encounter.

The broadcast on JTBC, another network, recorded a lower rating of 1%. The match was part of the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers, pitting the formidable Argentine team led by Messi against the resilient Cape Verde squad, anchored by the impressive goalkeeping of Vozinha.

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This was the best match of this World Cup. Argentina won, but Cape Verde also played a game where they didn't lose. There were no losers in today's match.