‘I was surprised’: Messi’s rare English words to Cape Verde defender ahead of Argentina clash

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10), center, reacts after the FIFA World Cup 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Lionel Messi left one of his World Cup opponents pleasantly surprised after he greeted him in English ahead of Argentina’s knockout match against Cape Verde, despite rarely speaking the language in public.Reflecting on the post-tournament interaction, Cape Verdean defender Steven Moreira recalled how the Argentina captain approached him ahead of their round of 32 meeting and congratulated him on reaching the World Cup in language he would never have expected from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi knows a well-known MLS rival

Messi and Moreira were far from strangers when they met at the World Cup.Since Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023, the pair have met regularly in Major League Soccer, where Moreira plays for the Columbus Crew.The 31-year-old defender, who was born and raised in France before deciding to represent Cape Verde at international level in 2023, was part of a first-ever World Cup campaign.Speaking to former United States international Sacha Kljestan on Apple TV, the official broadcast partner of Major League Soccer, Moreira admitted that teammates wondered if Messi would even recognize him before the match.“Yes, yes. Especially before the game, everyone was saying to me: Do you think Messi knows you?”“So I would say, ‘Yes, of course. We play each other every time (in MLS).'”According to Moreira, Messi approached him with an unexpected greeting before kick-off.“Then Messi came to me and said: Hi, how are you? Congratulations on everything.” And he said it in English, so I was a little surprised.’Although Messi has spent the past few years playing in the United States, he rarely speaks English in public, making the brief exchange all the more memorable for the Cape Verdean defender.

Cape Verde pushed Argentina all the way

The encounter between Argentina and Cape Verde turned out to be one of the most entertaining knockout matches of the tournament.Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, came from behind twice before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time as Argentina narrowly advanced to the last 16 on their way to the World Cup finals.Moreira played all 120 minutes against the reigning world champions and continued his ever-present tournament in which he played every minute of Cape Verde’s campaign.

Steven Moreira (22) of Cape Verde controls the ball during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

On this occasion, he described the experience as unforgettable.“Honestly, it was amazing,” Moreira said.“We did a lot in the game, so I’m very, very proud.

Historic tournament for Cape Verde

Although their World Cup journey ended against Argentina, Cape Verde became one of the surprise stories of the tournament.The Blue Sharks, who were participating in the country’s first ever World Cup, opened their campaign with a shock 0-0 draw against eventual champions Spain before also drawing with Uruguay to advance from the group stage.These results earned widespread praise and the draw with Spain became one of the highlights of the opening round of fixtures.

Cape Verde’s Steven Moreira, right, heads the ball as Spain’s Gavi looks on during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Moreira believes the tournament has changed the perception of football in his country.“It put my country on top of the world. It’s something I’ll never forget. I’m very proud.”The defender’s performances were central to Cape Verde’s impressive drive, while experienced goalkeeper Vozinha also attracted significant attention after a series of excellent displays throughout the competition.After the tournament, reports linked the vice-captain with a move to Chilean giants Colo Colo after leaving Portuguese club Chaves.

Moreira international route

Moreira’s journey to the World Cup was unconventional.After coming through the French football system and representing clubs including Rennes, Lorient and Toulouse before moving to Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, he did not make his international debut for Cape Verde until he accepted his first call-up in 2023.That decision eventually led to him becoming one of the key figures in the country’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage.Although Argentina eventually prevailed after extra time, Cape Verde’s spirited display earned widespread admiration, while Moreira left the tournament with a personal memory that few opponents can claim – a congratulatory greeting from Lionel Messi delivered in unexpected English before one of the biggest games of his career.