Cape Verde World Cup hero Vozinha reportedly in line to become Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate
The Times Of India July 07, 2026 05:39 AM
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could complete one of the most remarkable transfers of the summer after his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reportedly attracted strong interest from Inter Miami. The 40-year-old shot-stopper, 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 stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Reports now suggest David Beckham's MLS club are preparing to step up their pursuit, although Brazilian sides have also entered the race for the veteran goalkeeper's signature.
World Cup turns Vozinha into breakout star
Cape Verde's World Cup journey may have ended in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, but Vozinha's performances earned widespread admiration throughout the tournament.
The veteran goalkeeper finished the competition with 18 saves, repeatedly frustrating some of the world's strongest attacking sides.
He first captured global attention during Cape Verde's goalless draw against Spain, producing seven saves to preserve 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 stage.
Against Argentina, Vozinha once again proved why he had become one of the stories of the tournament. He made another seven saves during regular time, repeatedly denying Lionel Messi and his teammates as Cape Verde twice fought back to level the score before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time. Argentina's winning goal came via an own goal, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance to prevent the defending champions from progressing.
His exploits also triggered an extraordinary rise in popularity off the pitch.
Before the World Cup, Vozinha had around 50,000 followers on Instagram. That figure has reportedly exploded to more than 25 million during the tournament, with approximately 14 million new followers arriving after his standout display against Spain before his popularity continued to surge throughout Cape Verde's historic run.
Inter Miami reportedly preparing move after Chaves departure
Vozinha's impressive displays have coincided with a pivotal moment in his club career.
The goalkeeper became a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division side GD Chaves expired on June 30, shortly before Cape Verde's knockout campaign concluded.
Prior to the tournament, Chaves manager Vítor Martins acknowledged that the goalkeeper was preparing for a special chapter in his career.
"He's at a very specific point in his career and living a unique moment in his life, one he perhaps thought impossible, about to play in a World Cup at 40 years old," Martins said.
"I believe he will follow his best path and it probably won't be with Chaves. He was a perfect professional until the end."
That next destination could now be Major League Soccer.
According to Portuguese newspaper
, Inter Miami have expressed "strong interest" in signing Vozinha once the World Cup concludes, with the goalkeeper said to be "highly regarded" inside the club.
Mexican outlet
El Informador added that although no final agreement has yet been reached, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham wants to complete the deal after the tournament and that negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks.
TVN,
, has also reported that the Florida club are "extremely interested" in signing the Cape Verde international, noting that his free-agent status makes the move financially attractive because Inter Miami would not need to negotiate a transfer fee.
The reports further suggest that the opportunity to train and play alongside Lionel Messi, having only recently faced him on the World Cup stage, is viewed as an appealing prospect for the veteran goalkeeper.
Brazilian clubs also enter the race
Inter Miami, however, are not the only club monitoring the situation.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that Brazilian clubs Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have already made direct contact with Vozinha's representatives.
"Brazilian clubs Avai and Atletico Goianiense make direct contact to try and sign Vozinha," Romano wrote on social media.
"Cape Verde legendary goalkeeper is available as a free agent, and both clubs approached his agents, Brazilian press reports."
While competition for his signature is growing, Inter Miami are still expected to intensify their pursuit after the World Cup, according to multiple reports.
Should a move materialise, Vozinha would likely provide experienced competition and leadership behind first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who joined from Minnesota United earlier this year and has established himself as Inter Miami's regular starter. The Cape Verde captain arrives off the finest international tournament of his career, having frustrated Lionel Messi during Cape Verde's memorable World Cup run.
If the transfer is completed, the goalkeeper who stood opposite Messi on the sport's biggest stage could soon find himself training alongside the Argentine at Inter Miami.
