Cape Verde shirt for Messi ahead of Argentina date
Updated July 3 2026 - 9:08am, first published 9:06am
Updated July 3 2026 - 9:08am, first published 9:06am
Cape Verde head coach Bubista is preparing the tiny nation for their biggest ever match. Photo: AP PHOTO
Cape Verde will present Argentina star Lionel Messi a shirt of their national team with his name on it, says the island state's president José Maria Neves, as the teams prepare for their last 32 match at the World Cup.
"It is a big honour to play against Lionel Messi and the national team of Argentina," Neves, head of a nation with an approximate population of 525,000, told Argentina's Radio Mitre.
Lionel Messi goes through Argentina's team drills before the Cape Verde clash. (AP PHOTO)
Cape Verde coach Bubista said Messi "is one of the best players in the world but we are playing against a whole team and not just against him."
Cape Verde are the biggest surprise at the World Cup in their debut, reaching the knockouts unbeaten with draws against European champions Spain (0-0), former champions Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0).
Cape Verde head coach Bubista is urging his players to be brave against Argentina. (AP PHOTO)
Title holders Argentina are the big favourites but Bubista pledged "we will play with courage and fight to reach the next round.
"The players should enjoy the match but they should stay focussed and do everything to advance. We know it won't be easy. But we must be courageous and not scared," Bubista said.
