Cape Verde World Cup hero Vozinha reportedly set to become Lionel Messi’s team-mate at Inter Miami Football News
Cape Verde goalkeeper Woznia could complete one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer after impressing at the 2026 World Cup fifa world cup There is reportedly strong interest from Inter Miami. The 40-year-old goalkeeper, currently a free agent after leaving Portuguese club GD Chaves, has emerged as one of the tournament’s rising stars as Cape Verde enters the knockout stages of its first World Cup. Now reports suggest David Beckham’s MLS club are preparing to step up their game, although Brazilian sides have also joined the race to land the veteran goalkeeper.
World Cup makes Woznia a new star
Cape Verde’s World Cup journey may have ended with a dramatic 3-2 overtime loss to defending champions Argentina in the last 32, but Woznia’s performances throughout the tournament have earned him widespread praise.The veteran goalkeeper made 18 saves in the game, frustrating some of the best attacking teams in the world.He first came to global attention when he made seven saves to keep a famous clean sheet in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain. Subsequently, the African national team drew with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finishing second in the group and advancing to the knockout rounds.Against Argentina, Woznia once again proved why he is one of the legends of the tournament. He made another seven saves in regular time, repeatedly denying Lionel Messi and his teammates, and helped Cape Verde fight back twice to level the score, but ultimately lost 3-2 after overtime. Argentina’s winning goal came from an own goal, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance of preventing the defending champions from advancing.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save against Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
His exploits also sparked a huge rise in popularity off the pitch.Before the World Cup, Woznia had about 50,000 followers on Instagram. That number reportedly swelled to more than 25 million during the World Cup, with around 14 million new fans flooding in after his impressive performance against Spain, before his popularity continued to soar during the historic match in Cape Verde.
Inter Miami reportedly preparing transfers following Chavez’s departure
Woznia’s impressive performance comes at a crucial moment in his club career.On June 30, shortly before the end of Cape Verde’s knockout rounds, the goalkeeper’s contract with Portuguese second division team GD Chaves expired and he became a free agent.Ahead of the game, Chavez coach Vito Martins admitted the goalkeeper was preparing for a special chapter in his career.“He’s at a very special moment in his career, going through a unique moment in his life that he probably didn’t think was possible, about to play in the World Cup at the age of 40,” Martins said.“I believe he will follow his best path, but probably not with Chavez. He was a consummate professional until the end.”The next destination may now be Major League Soccer.According to Portuguese newspapers RecordInter Miami have expressed a “strong interest” in signing Woznia after the World Cup, with the goalkeeper said to be “highly regarded” within the club.mexican outlet information newspaper Adding that although a final agreement has not yet been reached, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hopes to complete the deal after the game is over, with negotiations expected to intensify in the coming days and weeks.TV station, via MarcaIt is also reported that the Florida club are “very interested” in signing the Cape Verde international, noting that his free agent status makes the move financially attractive as Inter Miami does not need to negotiate a transfer fee.Reports further suggest that the opportunity to train and play alongside Messi on the World Cup stage, only recently seen on the World Cup stage, is considered an attractive prospect for the experienced goalkeeper.
Brazilian clubs also take part in the competition
However, Inter Miami are not the only club concerned about the situation.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano report Brazilian clubs Avaí and Sporting Goiânia have made direct contact with Vozinha’s representatives.Romano wrote on social media: “Brazilian club Avai and Atlético de Goianín have been in direct contact to try to sign Vozinha.”According to Brazilian media reports, “the legendary Cape Verdean goalkeeper can become a free agent and both clubs have made contact with his agent.”According to multiple reports, Inter Miami are expected to intensify their pursuit of him after the World Cup, despite increasing competition for his signature.
Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates raising the Cape Verdean flag after the football match between Spain and Cape Verde in World Cup Group H on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
If a move materializes, Woznia will likely provide experienced competition and leadership to first-choice goalkeeper Dane St. Clair, who joined from Minnesota United earlier this year and has become a regular starter at Inter Miami. The Cape Verde captain ended the highlight of his international career by frustrating Lionel Messi during Cape Verde’s unforgettable World Cup run. If the move is completed, the goalkeeper who has faced off against Messi on the sport’s biggest stage could soon find himself training with the Argentine at Inter Miami.
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