🚨🗣️ Lopez Cabral (Cape Verde) on facing Lionel Messi:
“Playing against Lionel Messi is something I never imagined would happen in my life. As a child, I watched him on television, and like millions of people around the world, I dreamed of being on the same pitch as him one day. When that moment finally came, it felt unreal.
That night will stay in my heart forever. It wasn’t just another match—it was one of the most emotional moments of my career. After the final whistle, I went over to Messi and told him, ‘Playing against you was a dream I never thought would come true.’ He smiled, hugged me, and said, ‘It’s okay. You deserve even more. Good luck.’
Those words touched me deeply. I’ll remember them for the rest of my life. Sharing the pitch with the greatest player in football history and receiving that kindness from him is something no trophy can replace. Thank you, Leo, for making one of the greatest nights of my life unforgettable.” ❤️🇨🇻🐐