Inter Miami are weighing up a move for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who emerged as one of the standout performers at the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old veteran is currently a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second division side Chaves expired, and reports from Marca suggest the MLS franchise could bring him to Florida.
World Cup Heroics Draw Attention
Vozinha became a key figure for Cape Verde as they reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Their campaign included a memorable goalless draw against Spain in the opening match and a dramatic last-16 encounter with Argentina, where they pushed the eventual champions to extra-time before losing 3-2. Throughout the tournament, Vozinha made crucial saves, including a one-on-one stop to deny Lionel Messi, earning widespread acclaim.
His performances have not only caught the eye of Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who attended the Argentina match, but also skyrocketed his profile. Vozinha’s social media following surged during the World Cup, making him one of the most followed goalkeepers globally.
Messi’s Tribute to the Veteran
After the thrilling clash, Messi sought out Vozinha to offer his respect. The Cape Verde keeper recounted the moment: "I went up to Messi after the game. He hugged me and said, 'You are great. Your people should be proud of you'. That was incredible for me." Vozinha added, "Hearing words like that from someone like Leo Messi means a lot to me. I thanked him and said, 'Thank you, Leo. You are the best'. Then I asked if we could swap shirts. Leo said he would give it to me in the tunnel after the interview."
Inter Miami’s Goalkeeping Options
Inter Miami currently have American Luis Barraza and Argentina’s Rocco Rios Novo as their goalkeepers. Adding Vozinha would not only strengthen the squad but also boost the club’s global profile, given his newfound popularity. A move would also fulfill Vozinha’s dream of playing alongside Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023.
A Career of Persistence
Vozinha has been Cape Verde’s first-choice goalkeeper for 14 years, with a club career spanning Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia. Reflecting on his World Cup journey, he told Fox after the Spain match: "I work hard all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream. A lot of generations in the past were dreaming of this, they didn't achieve it, many ex players from our national team ... And now the dream has come true."
Despite his age, Vozinha has shown no intention of retiring, and Inter Miami could provide the stage for him to continue his career in Major League Soccer.
