Messi Set to Team Up with World Cup Sensation Vozinha at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi could soon have a new teammate in Inter Miami after reports emerged linking the club with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup. Messi continued his extraordinary tournament by leading Argentina to a dramatic late comeback win against Egypt on Tuesday, booking a spot in the quarterfinals. The 39-year-old has now scored eight times in the competition, finding the net in every match he has played, including the previous round’s 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde. That encounter saw Messi come face-to-face with Vozinha, whose stunning performances have catapulted him to global fame. The 40-year-old shot-stopper has gained a staggering 28 million Instagram followers after a string of brilliant saves, including a clean sheet against Spain in Cape Verde’s opening game. His heroics continued until his side eventually fell to Messi’s Argentina in the round of 32. But the fairytale may not end there. According to a report from MARCA, Inter Miami are now “extremely interested” in signing Vozinha to play alongside his idol Messi. Negotiations are expected to intensify once the World Cup concludes. Vozinha, who has spent most of his career as a journeyman in Europe – including a five-year stint at Cypriot side AEL Limassol and a season in Portugal’s second division – revealed he exchanged words with Messi after their match. “I went up to Messi after the game. He hugged me and said, ‘You are great. Your people should be proud of you,’” Vozinha told 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.”