Cape Verdean World Cup hero Vozinha finds new club; it’s not Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has found a new club after his memorable campaign at the FIFA World Cup, signing for Colo Colo as a free agent. The move ended weeks of speculation linking the veteran striker with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami during the summer transfer window.The 40-year-old has been without a club since leaving Portugal’s Chaves on July 1. After his excellent performances at the World Cup, there were rumors that a move to MLS could be on the cards, with Inter Miami reportedly among the clubs interested. Instead, Vozinha chose to continue his career with Colo Colo, who announced the signing with the caption “AURA” embedded in the announcement on social media. The experienced goalkeeper became one of the biggest stories of the World Cup despite Cape Verde failing to win the match. Playing in the tournament for the first time in the country’s history, the Blue Sharks reached the round of 32 after three tough draws before narrowly losing 3-2 to defending champions Argentina after extra time.Vozinha was the standout player throughout the tournament and made a number of notable saves, most notably against Lionel Messi. The Cape Verdean captain denied the Argentine superstar on several occasions, almost helping his side pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.“We are worthy of Cape Verde as the national team in most parts of the world,” Vozinha said after the defeat. “Today we fought at the same level against Argentina.Cape Verdean defender Pico Lopes was one of those who praised the veteran goalkeeper, saying: “He’s a quality, quality goalkeeper. He probably didn’t get the recognition he deserved before this. … He’s a legend in Cape Verdean football.”Vozinha’s career has largely been built on free transfers. He previously represented clubs including Chaves, AS Trencin, AEL Limassol, Gil Vicente, Zimbra Chisinau and Progresso before becoming a free agent this summer. Despite a reported market value of around €500,000, every move in his professional career has come without a transfer fee.With 92 international appearances since his Cape Verdean debut in 2012, Vozinha now begins a new chapter in Colo Colo and hopes to build on the global recognition he earned with his inspirational performances at the World Cup.