Cape Verde will face World Cup holders Argentina in Miami on Friday, having remarkably finished second in a group containing Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The match marks the latest chapter in a footballing fairytale for Pico Lopes, the Irish-born defender who went from working in a building society in Blanchardstown, Dublin, to marking some of the world's most feared strikers.
From LinkedIn spam to World Cup hero
Lopes' journey began with a random LinkedIn invitation from Cape Verde coach Rui Aguas, which he initially ignored. 'I assumed it was spam and took no notice,' Lopes has said. Now, he has gained iconic status at his club Shamrock Rovers, with supporters comparing him to Paul McGrath for his performance against Spain's Lamine Yamal during the group stage.
His wife, Leah Lopes, has been equally dedicated, traveling nearly 2,000 miles from Houston to Miami to support him. She plans to visit the team hotel before the match to collect her golden ticket. Lopes' parents, Judy and Carlos, are being flown to the US for free by Aer Lingus, but limited ticket allocations mean some relatives will be disappointed.
The ultimate challenge: stopping Messi
Lopes will now face the ultimate test: stopping Lionel Messi and the reigning champions. He embodies the 'David' in this 'David and Goliath' scenario. 'I'm excited,' Lopes said. 'It feels palpable. The people behind Cape Verde are buzzing. The staff, people at the hotel, everyone. What a spectacle it's going to be.'
Back in Ireland, the buzz is immense. Fidelma Kelly, Lopes' former line manager, recalled: 'I can still remember the excitement in the office when he was offered the chance to play for Cape Verde. And then it was a case of 'Okay, where's Cape Verde?' We've been following them all the way through the competition. We say to people, 'do you realise there's one person in Ireland who is going to the World Cup?''
A story that captures the imagination
If Lopes helps Cape Verde eliminate Argentina, he will be celebrated not just on television but with free Guinness for life. The match is set to be a spectacle, with Cape Verde's underdog story capturing hearts worldwide.
