Messi's on-field tribute to rival goalkeeper Vojinha wins heart

The 90 minutes were over, but it was what happened after the final whistle that captured hearts. Following Argentina's extra-time win over Cape Verde, captain Lionel Messi created a moment of genuine warmth centered on an unlikely figure: opposing goalkeeper Vozinha.

According to Vozinha's own account, he approached Messi after the match hoping for a brief word with the Argentine superstar. Before he could say anything, Messi's warmth caught him off guard, leaving the Cape Verde shot-stopper visibly emotional.

Vozinha said Messi embraced him first, then praised his performance directly, telling him he was hugely talented, an outstanding goalkeeper, and that his country should be proud of him.

For Vozinha, hearing such praise from one of the greatest players football has ever produced ranks among the biggest honors of his career. In his words, hearing something so positive from a legend like Messi was a feeling he will never forget.

Argentina held off Cape Verde 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time Round of 32 clash to book their place in the Round of 16 under coach Lionel Scaloni.