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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become the breakout star of the 2026 World Cup, leading his team to the knockout stage and setting up a dream matchup against Argentina and Lionel Messi on July 3 in Miami. The 40-year-old, who idolizes Messi, once said he dreamed of facing him and swapping jerseys Source: clarin.
Vozinha shot to global attention after a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain in the group stage, making seven saves Source: excelsiormx. He followed that with another clean sheet against Saudi Arabia, securing Cape Verde's place in the round of 16 as group runners-up with three draws. His performances propelled his Instagram following from 50,000 to over 16 million Source: excelsiormx.
Despite his heroics, Vozinha is currently a free agent after his contract with Deportivo Chaves of Portugal's second division expired Source: infobae. He confirmed he is open to offers, with three Brazilian Serie B clubs reportedly interested Source: lavozar. "I'm open to everything. We'll see what happens," he said Source: lavozar.
Born Josimar Dias, he got his nickname "Vozinha" ("grandma" in Portuguese) as a child when he often sought comfort from his grandparents after being bullied Source: infobae. His father wanted to name him after Argentine striker Jorge Valdano, but authorities didn't allow it Source: clarin.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage (pop. 530,000), will face Argentina in Miami. Vozinha's dream of facing Messi is now a reality. Source: clarin, excelsiormx
“"Sinceramente, me encantaría jugar contra Lionel Messi. ¿Quién sabe? Tal vez hasta cambiar la camiseta con Messi. Eso ya sería mucho, pero sería un sueño lograrlo"”
“Con cada nueva actuación en la cancha, Vozinha multiplicaba su impacto digital... superado la barrera de los 16 millones de seguidores en su red social de Instagram.”
“"Terminé contrato con mi club anterior, Deportivo Chaves, y en este momento todavía no tengo nada. Estoy abierto a todo. Vamos a ver qué sucede"”
“"Terminé contrato con mi club anterior y en este momento todavía no tengo nada. Estoy abierto a todo. Vamos a ver qué aparece"”
“"Cuando terminó el partido contra España, Pablo me miró con una fijeza que no le conocía... me dijo: 'Quiero los guantes y el uniforme del portero de Cabo Verde'"”
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