World Cup 2026 and Cape Verde hero Vozinha snubs Messi's Inter Miami for new club
Veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to continue his career in South America after agreeing to join Chilean giants Colo Colo, club president Anibal Mosa confirmed on Friday. The 40-year-old, currently without a club after departing Portuguese second-division outfit Chaves before the FIFA World Cup, is expected to arrive in Chile shortly to complete a medical examination before signing his contract and being presented at the Estadio Monumental.
During the World Cup, Vozinha was heavily linked with a move to Inter Miami, which would have allowed him to link up with Messi, with whom he shares a bond. After Cape Verde’s thriller against Argentina, Vozinha said that the Argentine maestro praised his work, which was great motivation for him.
“I went up to Messi after the game. He hugged me and said, ‘You are great. Your people should be proud of you,'” Vozinha said, according to Yahoo Sports.
“That was incredible for me. 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.’ Then I asked if we could swap shirts. Leo said he would give it to me in the tunnels after the interview.”
Speaking to the media before Colo Colo’s league fixture against Deportes Limache, Mosa praised the goalkeeper’s outstanding displays at the World Cup, saying his performances had earned him the opportunity. He also admitted the transfer would generate significant attention for the club beyond its sporting value.
While the paperwork is still being completed, Colo Colo have already fueled speculation by posting a teaser on social media featuring what appeared to be the unmistakable silhouette and curly hairstyle of the experienced shot-stopper.
Vozinha was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup, winning widespread admiration for his heroics as tournament newcomers Cape Verde exceeded expectations. He played a key role in holding eventual champions Spain to a scoreless draw during the group stage and produced another standout display against eventual finalists Argentina, helping force the last-32 encounter into extra time.
His performances also resonated with fans worldwide, earning him a place in FIFA’s fan-voted World Cup Dream Team.
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