Cape Verde star Steven Moreira has revealed the ‘surprising’ conversation we had with Lionel Messi before their match at the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde were, without doubt, one of the best stories from this summer’s tournament. With a population of just 525,000 people, they became the third smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup.

The African nation weren’t given much chance of progressing through a tough group which featured eventual champions Spain, two-time winners Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

However, they defied the odds thanks to three consecutive draws, ensuring they became the smallest country to make the knockout rounds at the World Cup.

No one gave Cape Verde a chance in the last 32 against Argentina, but the plucky underdogs nearly did the unthinkable as they gave the reigning champions a mighty scare. Argentina eventually needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde, with Diney’s own-goal giving the South American side a 3-2 victory.

Steven Moreira Reveals Lionel Messi’s ‘Surprising’ Comment

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Moreira played a key role for Cape Verde at the World Cup. He featured in all four of their matches, starting and playing the full match in three of them. He was on the pitch for the whole game in their defeat to Argentina in the last 32.

Moreira, a right-back, now plays for Major League Soccer side, Columbus Crew. In an interview with Apple TV, the 31-year-old was asked about Cape Verde’s match against Argentina.

He responded: “It was amazing. To put my country at the top of the world is something I’ll never forget. I’m very proud. It was amazing. We didn’t lose any games, so I’m very, very proud.”

He was also asked whether he had any interactions with Messi during their match against Argentina.

He said: “Especially before the game. Everyone was like: ‘Do you think Messi knows you?’ And I was like: ‘Yes, of course, we play against each other all the time.’

Then Messi came up to me and said: ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ Congratulations and everything. And he said it in English, so I was a little surprised.”

“Then my teammates were all so excited, and I was like, ‘come on, let’s focus on the game!'”

Cape Verde Star Vozinha to Sign For Colo-Colo

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was one of the stars of the World Cup. The 40-year-old, who came into the tournament without a club after his contract at Portuguese side G.D. Chaves expired, produced an inspired performance against Spain in their 0-0 draw.

He also impressed against Saudi Arabia as he kept a clean sheet, as well as in the match against Argentina, where he made eight saves.

Vozinha has been rewarded for his efforts at the World Cup as he’s on the verge of signing for Chilean giants, Colo-Colo.

Aníbal Mosa, president of the company that manages Colo-Colo, revealed, per ESPN: “Vozinha is going to be a Colo Colo player. In the next few days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the necessary medical examinations, and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental.”

He has believed to have signed an 18-month contract. He will reportedly earn around £18,700-per-month.