Cape Verdean World Cup hero Vozinha reportedly set to team up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) and Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) compete during the FIFA World Cup 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could have completed one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer after his excellent performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reportedly attracted strong interest from Inter Miami. The 40-year-old goalscorer, who is currently a free agent after leaving Portuguese club GD Chaves, emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament as Cape Verde reached the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup appearance. Reports now suggest that David Beckham’s MLS club are preparing to step up their efforts, although Brazilian sides have also entered the race to sign the veteran goalkeeper.

The World Cup will turn Vozinha into a breakout star

Cape Verde’s World Cup journey may have ended with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat against defending champions Argentina in the round of 32, but Vozinho’s performances throughout the tournament have earned him widespread admiration.The veteran goalkeeper finished the competition with 18 saves, repeatedly frustrating some of the world’s strongest attacking teams.He first came to global attention in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain, making seven saves to keep a famous clean sheet. The African nation then held both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws to finish second in their group and qualify for the knockout stages.Against Argentina, Vozinha proved again why he has become one of the stories of the tournament. He made another seven saves in regulation time, repeatedly denying Lionel Messi and his team-mates as Cape Verde twice fought back to equalize before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time. Argentina’s winning goal came after an own goal, so the goalkeeper had no chance to prevent the defending champions from progressing.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save against Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

His exploits also created an extraordinary surge in popularity off the pitch.Before the World Cup, Vozinha had around 50,000 followers on Instagram. That number reportedly exploded to more than 25 million during the tournament, with around 14 million new followers coming in after his standout performance against Spain, before his popularity continued to grow during Cape Verde’s historic run.

Inter Miami are reportedly preparing a move after Chaves’ departure

Vozin’s impressive displays coincided with a pivotal moment in his club career.The goalkeeper became a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second division club GD Chaves expired on June 30, shortly before the end of Cape Verde’s relegation campaign.Chaves manager Vítor Martins acknowledged before the tournament that the goalkeeper is preparing for a special chapter in his career.“He’s at a very specific point in his career and he’s going through a unique moment in his life that he might have thought was impossible when he’s going to play in the World Cup at 40,” Martins said.“I believe he will go his best way and it probably won’t be with Chaves. He was the consummate professional until the end.”That next target could now be Major League Soccer.According to a Portuguese newspaper RecordInter Miami have expressed “strong interest” in signing Vozinha after the World Cup, with the goalkeeper “highly regarded” at the club.Mexican outlet Informant he added that while no final deal has yet been reached, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham wants to complete the deal after the tournament and talks are expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks.tvn via Marcalso announced that the Florida club were “extremely interested” in signing the Cape Verdean international, noting that his free agent status made the move financially attractive as Inter Miami would not have to negotiate a transfer fee.Reports further suggest that the opportunity to train and play alongside Lionel Messi, who only recently faced him at the World Cup, is seen as an attractive prospect for the experienced goalkeeper.

Brazilian clubs are also entering the race

But Inter Miami is not the only club monitoring the situation.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Brazilian clubs Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have already established direct contact with representatives of Vozinha.“Brazilian clubs Avai and Atletico Goianiense are making direct contact to try to sign Vozinha,” Romano wrote on social media.“The legendary Cape Verdean goalkeeper is available as a free agent and both clubs have approached his agents,” reports the Brazilian press.While competition for his signature is growing, according to multiple reports, Inter Miami are still expected to step up their efforts after the World Cup.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates as he holds his country’s flag after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Should the move go ahead, Vozinha would likely provide experienced competition and leadership behind first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clairem, who arrived from Minnesota United earlier this year and has established himself as a regular starter for Inter Miami. The Cape Verdean captain is coming off the best international tournament of his career and frustrated Lionel Messi during an unforgettable World Cup in Cape Verde. If the move goes through, the goalkeeper who stood opposite Messi on the sport’s biggest stage could soon find himself training alongside the Argentine at Inter Miami.