Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has shared details of a memorable post-match encounter with Lionel Messi following his country’s meeting with Argentina, describing it as a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.
The veteran shot-stopper revealed that he approached the Argentine captain after the final whistle, but before he could say much, Messi embraced him and offered words of admiration for his performance.
“I went up to Messi after the game and before I could even say much, he hugged me and said, ‘You are great. Your people should be proud of you.’ That was incredible for me,” Vozinha recalled.
The Cape Verde international admitted that receiving such praise from one of football’s greatest players made the experience even more special.
“Hearing words like that from someone like Leo Messi means a lot to me. I thanked him and said, ‘Thank you, Leo. You are the best.'”
Vozinha also revealed that he asked Messi if they could exchange shirts after the match. According to the goalkeeper, the Argentine icon agreed, asking him to wait until he had completed his post-match media duties.
“Then I asked if we could swap shirts. Leo said he would give it to me in the tunnel after the interview. I’ll remember moments like this for the rest of my life,” he said.
The heartfelt exchange highlighted the mutual respect between the two players and added a memorable chapter to Vozinha’s career, with Messi’s gesture leaving a lasting impression on the Cape Verde goalkeeper.
