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Lionel Messi Could Soon Share a Locker Room with a 40-Year-Old Goalkeeper from Cape Verde

Ліонель Мессі може незабаром стати співгравцем 40-річного голкіпера з Кабо-Верде.

Vozinha on the Verge of Joining Inter Miami?

According to a report by Marca, Cape Verde national team goalkeeper Vozinha is being considered for a move to Inter Miami, a club co-owned by David Beckham. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, currently a free agent after leaving Portuguese side Chaves, could become a teammate of Lionel Messi if the transfer goes through.

World Cup Heroics

Vozinha recently played a key role in helping Cape Verde reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that stage, his team fell to Argentina 3-2 in extra time. Notably, Cape Verde did not lose a single match in regulation time during the tournament. They finished second in Group H with three points, the result of three consecutive draws in the group stage.

  • Across four World Cup matches, the goalkeeper conceded four goals and kept two clean sheets.
  • He also recorded 18 saves throughout the competition.
  • Vozinha's Instagram following skyrocketed from 40,000 to 25 million during the tournament, highlighting his surging popularity.

Beyond Inter Miami, Brazilian clubs Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have also expressed interest in Vozinha. Both teams are competing in Brazil's Série B during the 2026 season. The veteran goalkeeper has previously played in the leagues of Slovakia, Cyprus, and his home country. Last season, he made 19 appearances in Portugal's Liga 2, conceding 23 goals and keeping six clean sheets.

Cape Verde, with a population of roughly 525,000, became the least populous nation ever to reach the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup. For comparison, Curaçao and Iceland—both of which have participated in World Cups but exited in the group stage—have larger populations.

A move to Inter Miami could mark a major milestone in Vozinha's career, especially given the club's rising profile and star-studded roster featuring Lionel Messi. His strong World Cup performance has boosted his transfer value and attracted attention from clubs in both the U.S. and Brazil. This potential signing also reflects a broader trend of experienced international players joining MLS, raising the league's competitive level and drawing more global interest to soccer in the region.

As Vozinha's potential transfer to Inter Miami gains traction, it's worth noting that Brazilian clubs are also keenly interested in the seasoned goalkeeper. The competition for his signature could intensify, especially considering the interest from teams like Avaí and Atlético Goianiense, who are looking to bolster their squads in Brazil's Série B. To learn more about the growing interest in this veteran player, check out the full story on Brazilian clubs' pursuit of Vozinha.