Cape Verde star Steven Moreira has revealed the ‘surprising’ conversation we had with Lionel Messi before their match at the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde were, without doubt, one of the best stories from this summer’s tournament. With a population of just 525,000 people, they became the third smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup.

The African nation weren’t given much chance of progressing through a tough group which featured eventual champions Spain, two-time winners Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

However, they defied the odds thanks to three consecutive draws, ensuring they became the smallest country to make the knockout rounds at the World Cup.

No one gave Cape Verde a chance in the last 32 against Argentina, but the plucky underdogs nearly did the unthinkable as they gave the reigning champions a mighty scare. Argentina eventually needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde, with Diney’s own-goal giving the South American side a 3-2 victory.

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Moreira played a key role for Cape Verde at the World Cup. He featured in all four of their matches, starting and playing the full match in three of them. He was on the pitch for the whole game in their defeat to Argentina in the last 32.

Moreira, a right-back, now plays for Major League Soccer side, Columbus Crew. In an interview with Apple TV, the 31-year-old was asked about Cape Verde’s match against Argentina.

He responded: “It was amazing. To put my country at the top of the world is something I’ll never forget. I’m very proud. It was amazing. We didn’t lose any games, so I’m very, very proud.”

He was also asked whether he had any interactions with Messi during their match against Argentina.

He said: “Especially before the game. Everyone was like: ‘Do you think Messi knows you?’ And I was like: ‘Yes, of course, we play against each other all the time.’

Then Messi came up to me and said: ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ Congratulations and everything. And he said it in English, so I was a little surprised.”

“Then my teammates were all so excited, and I was like, ‘come on, let’s focus on the game!'”

Cape Verde Star Vozinha to Sign For Colo-Colo

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was one of the stars of the World Cup. The 40-year-old, who came into the tournament without a club after his contract at Portuguese side G.D. Chaves expired, produced an inspired performance against Spain in their 0-0 draw.

He also impressed against Saudi Arabia as he kept a clean sheet, as well as in the match against Argentina, where he made eight saves.

Vozinha has been rewarded for his efforts at the World Cup as he’s on the verge of signing for Chilean giants, Colo-Colo.

Aníbal Mosa, president of the company that manages Colo-Colo, revealed, per ESPN: “Vozinha is going to be a Colo Colo player. In the next few days, he will travel to Chile, undergo the necessary medical examinations, and then be presented here at the Estadio Monumental.”

He has believed to have signed an 18-month contract. He will reportedly earn around £18,700-per-month.

Lisandro Martinez has now explained why he and his Argentina teammates had their backs turned when Spain’s players lifted the World Cup trophy.

Argentina’s players were heavily criticised for having their backs turned as Spain celebrated becoming world champions for only the second time in their history.

In response, Spain’s Dani Olmo told reporters: “We are an example for many generations, I think they should be too.”

Argentina’s players were labelled “classless” for their actions, while former England international Stuart Pearce added: “When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift. That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”

Footage emerged showing Flaco Lopez, who made two substitute appearances during the 2026 World Cup, was the only Argentina player to watch as Ballon d’Or contender Rodri hoisted the iconic trophy into the air.

The Palmeiras striker, 25, was subsequently praised for having the decency to watch Spain’s players celebrate becoming world champions – despite how painful it may have been.

Martinez Explains Why Argentina Players Had Backs Turned

Reuters/Jon Durr

However, Martinez – who was named in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament following an impressive campaign – insists Argentina’s players were not snubbing their Spanish counterparts.

“We were always very respectful of the opponent,” the Manchester United star told reporters, per World Soccer Talk. “It was also said that after the final, we hadn’t acknowledged Spain. We greeted all the players, all the coaching staff, we were there.

Martinez was also asked how he feels about Argentina being cast as villains of the 2026 World Cup.

“I have quite a few mixed feelings about it,” he said. “A little bit of anger because clearly they have no basis to generate that hate. Then I also see how my teammates fight on the pitch, how the fans encourage us, how they make us feel at home, and they talk about us being arrogant, about us being this or that… maybe that speaks a bit more about the people who do those things than about us.“

Argentina received heavy criticism during the tournament for their ‘dirty’ tactics, while FIFA were accused of showing favouritism towards the 2022 world champions.

The criticism intensified after several Argentina players and staff members were involved in altercations following a hugely disappointing team performance against Spain in the World Cup final.

FIFA have launched an investigation into the incidents to determine whether Argentina violated any of their disciplinary code.

Crystal Palace are expected to leave one of their stars out of their squad for their pre-season tour in Italy, as he’s closing in on a move to Wrexham.

The Welsh club will be looking to mount a serious promotion charge in the Championship next season after narrowly missing out on the playoffs last time.

Wrexham have spent significantly over the last few years to climb from non-league to the Championship, but they won’t want to stop there, given how close they are to the Premier League.

It’s been a slow start to the summer transfer window for Wrexham so far, and they are yet to confirm any new additions.

However, they do appear to be closing in on their first summer signing.

Wrexham close to Crystal Palace transfer

According to journalist Mike McGrath, Crystal Palace are expected to leave Danny Imray out of their squad for their pre-season Como Cup in Italy.

The Palace defender is now closing in on a move to Wrexham in a deal worth around £5 million.

Imray has struggled to break into the Crystal Palace side, spending last season on loan at West Brom and Blackpool.

He’s also spent time at Chelmsford and Bromley, and at the age of 23, it appears a permanent move is on the table.

Wrexham in market for goalkeeper

Wrexham are clearly in the market to sign a new goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.

Reports have suggested that they are ready to make a £7 million bid to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, whether that be for a permanent deal or a loan-to-buy arrangement.

GIVEMESPORT sources have also confirmed that Wrexham are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers.

Wrexham face competition from Premier League side Coventry City, while Travers has an £8 million release clause in his Everton contract.