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Cape Verde to present Messi with national shirt ahead of knockout match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 9:49 PM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Cape Verde to present Messi with national shirt ahead of knockout match

Summary

Cape Verde plans to honor Argentina star Lionel Messi by presenting him with a national team shirt before their World Cup last 32 match. José Maria Neves, the president of Cape Verde, expressed pride in facing Messi and the Argentine team. Cape Verde, making their debut in the World Cup, has reached the knockout stage undefeated, having drawn against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Coach Bubista emphasized the need for his players to focus and play with courage against the reigning champions, Argentina.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Cape Verde will present Messi with their national team's shirt.
•Neves highlights the honor of playing against Messi.
•Cape Verde reached knockout stage unbeaten in group play.
•Bubista encourages players to focus and show courage.
•Argentina are favorites for the upcoming match.

Latest Updates

9:49 PMYahoo Sports — Cape Verde shirt for Messi and no fear ahead of Argentina date

What they're saying

"
Cape Verde will present Argentina star Lionel Messi a shirt of their national team with his name on it around the teams' last 32 match at the World Cup, the island state's president, José Maria Neves has said. "It is a big honour to play against Lionel Messi and the national team of Argentina," Neves told Argentina's Radio Mitre.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 9:49 PM
Cape Verde shirt for Messi and no fear ahead of Argentina date
Cape Verde will present Argentina star Lionel Messi a shirt of their national team with his name on it around the teams' last 32 match at the World Cup, the island state's president, José Maria Neves has said. "It is a big honour to play against Lionel Messi and the national team of Argentina," Neves told Argentina's Radio Mitre.

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