BREAKING: “Many Thought We Wouldn’t Win” – Cape Verde Star Sends Message To Messi After WC Clash Is Confirmed

According to a report by GOAL on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has spoken of his pride after helping his country reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, setting up a Round of 32 showdown with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

The experienced shot-stopper said many people had written off Cape Verde before the tournament began, but the players always believed they had the quality to compete with the world’s best teams.

“Many thought we wouldn’t win, but we know we have quality and, when we got to the World Cup, perhaps people underestimated us,” Vozinha said. “We have a great team and we are happy to have qualified for the next phase.” Favor As Higher Power? (The hidden truth) Some positions in life cannot be held or retained for long if you are not favored. Favor is higher power. You are not the only one desiring, deserving, connected, powerful or qualified. Some positions in life, opportunities, success, achievements, triumphs, selection, approvals, power and position, elevation, patronage, etc, are mainly through favor. Favor is silent, spiritual and higher power. For spiritual guidance, other solutions, call/Whatsapp Dr J.A. Faros on 07030514063. With God, all are possible.

Cape Verde booked their place in the Round of 32 after an impressive group-stage campaign, finishing as runners-up in their group and exceeding pre-tournament expectations. Their qualification represents a landmark achievement in the nation’s football history and has earned the squad widespread praise for its discipline, resilience and collective spirit.

Looking ahead to the meeting with Argentina, Vozinha admitted the fixture carries special significance, describing the opportunity to face Lionel Messi as a dream for any professional footballer.

“Facing Argentina will be very good. It’s a dream for any footballer to play against Argentina and Lionel Messi,” he said.

Despite the excitement surrounding the occasion, the goalkeeper insisted Cape Verde have never approached matches with the intention of merely avoiding defeat. Instead, he stressed that the team has consistently aimed to win, regardless of the strength of the opposition.

“We didn’t come here to secure a draw. We always sought to win,” he said. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we tried everything to score and compete.”

Vozinha also reflected on the pride shared by the squad, noting that many Cape Verdean players have overcome limited resources and difficult circumstances to reach the highest level of international football.

The goalkeeper’s impressive displays throughout the tournament have also attracted widespread recognition, with his leadership and shot-stopping ability drawing praise on the global stage.

Cape Verde will now shift their focus to the highly anticipated Round of 32 clash against Argentina in Miami on July 3, as they look to extend their remarkable World Cup campaign against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.