Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, but beyond the contest on the pitch a humane story involving Lionel Messi has come to light. Argentine journalist Yanina Latorre says Messi arranged World Cup tickets for members of the family of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.
According to Latorre, financial constraints meant four members of Vozinha’s family could not attend World Cup matches at the stadium. On learning this, Messi arranged tickets for them on his own initiative so they could watch from the stands.
Latorre said Messi paid out of his own pocket for tickets for a number of people who could not afford to attend matches during the World Cup, and that four members of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s family were among them. It was through Messi’s initiative that they were able to watch the World Cup final against Spain from the stands. The episode did not become public during the tournament and emerged only after the final.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha performed superbly for Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup. In the round of 32 against Argentina he kept his side in the match with a string of saves. After that match Messi embraced the opposing goalkeeper and praised his performance, telling him: “You are extraordinary. Your country should be proud of you.”
With 18 saves in the tournament, Vozinha repeatedly showed his experience. His performances also linked his name with Messi’s Inter Miami, with speculation about a possible move to the US club spreading after he faced Argentina in the last 32. That talk has not yet turned into a formal offer.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report