In conversations with Cabo Verde coach Bubista and the heroes of the national team, stories often emerge of how the country would come to a standstill whenever the FIFA World Cup™ was on, with families gathering around the television to marvel at the game's greatest stars.
More often than not, those idols were Brazilian, reflecting the deep cultural ties between the two nations. Now, however, Argentina have become part of that shared footballing affection.
Perhaps the most memorable story came from goalkeeper Vozinha, how, at his father's insistence, he was almost named not Josimar, but Jorge Valdano, after the Argentina striker who lifted the World Cup alongside Diego Maradona in 1986. The only reason it never happened was that, at the time, foreign names were not permitted by the authorities.
Back then, the World Cup felt like an unattainable dream for the Blue Sharks. Today, Cabo Verdean parents and children are living a dream of their own as they get to watch their country enjoy a historic World Cup campaign.
Their heroic performances have seen them hold Spain to a draw and knock out Uruguay, and now they stand on the brink of another monumental challenge. Next up are none other than the reigning world champions, in Miami.
Lionel Scaloni's side swept through the group stage in impressive fashion and arrive in the knockout rounds as one of the favourites to go all the way, inspired by a Lionel Messi who continues to rewrite the record books.
For Cabo Verde, simply reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever FIFA World Cup is already a remarkable achievement. That alone will forever be a source of national pride. But that pride has been built on competitiveness, and over the past few weeks they have shown they are capable of challenging football's elite.
In that sense, facing Argentina and Messi represents the ultimate test – and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We have a strong connection with Argentina,” said Bubista. “The chance to play against them is a reward for these players, this team and our people.
"We're ecstatic. Reaching the knockout phase means making history yet again," added Bubista. "Now we get to play against Argentina. In football, anything can happen. We'll show them the same respect we've shown every opponent, but we'll compete. We're living a dream, but once we step onto the pitch we can't see faces. We'll approach this game exactly as we did against Spain or any other team."
The message has remained very much consistent. Still, ignoring the sight of Messi will be easier said than done. Not only has he dominated newspaper front pages, websites and television coverage throughout the USA, but Bubista has also spent the week analysing Argentina's Group J wins, where Messi's six goals in just 223 minutes of football feature prominently.
"For us, it's a huge privilege to face the player many consider the greatest of all time,” said the Cabo Verde head coach. “Will it be the No10 against our ten islands? Of course. But we'll continue to play with character, discipline and our own identity.”
Argentina head into the Round of 32 with a finely tuned machine. Messi not only decides matches, he dictates them. A master at manipulating defensive lines, he is also surrounded by the intelligent movement of players such as Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, who complement his game with remarkable precision.
They are a team capable of controlling the tempo and punishing even the slightest lapse in concentration. Cabo Verde's defensive unit will therefore need to be more organised than ever, winning the ball back collectively before looking to spring forward quickly on the counter-attack.
Centre-back Diney Borges, one of the defensive pillars of Cabo Verde's remarkable campaign, will be one of the players tasked with carrying out that plan. He approaches the occasion with calm, even while recognising what it means for everyone involved.
“It’s not every day you get to play Messi. It’s basically a childhood dream. We all grew up watching him play," the defender said.
The emotional contrast could hardly be greater. Argentina carry the responsibility of defending their status as the current World Cup holders, while Cabo Verde have the freedom of a team that have already exceeded all expectations. And if they can keep the contest balanced deep into the match, who is to say Bubista's side will not begin to sense another famous upset?
For Cabo Verde, this is the opportunity to transform an already historic campaign into something truly legendary.
“We have this opportunity and, God willing, we could knock out Argentina, the world champions,” Diney concluded.
Sources: FIFA Official
