Cape Verde's WC hero Vozinha finds new club; it's not Messi's Inter Miami

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has found a new club after his memorable FIFA World Cup campaign, signing for Colo Colo as a free agent. The move ends weeks of speculation linking the veteran shot-stopper with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami during the summer transfer window.The 40-year-old was without a club after leaving Portuguese side Chaves on July 1. Following his standout performances at the World Cup, rumours suggested an MLS switch could be on the cards, with Inter Miami among the clubs reportedly interested. Instead, Vozinha has chosen to continue his career with Colo Colo, who announced the signing with the caption 'AURA' embedded in the announcement post on social media. The experienced goalkeeper became one of the biggest stories of the World Cup despite Cape Verde failing to win a match. Playing at the tournament for the first time in the nation's history, the Blue Sharks reached the Round of 32 after three gritty draws before narrowly losing 3-2 to defending champions Argentina after extra time.Vozinha was the standout performer throughout the tournament, producing a string of remarkable saves, particularly against Lionel Messi. The Cape Verde captain denied the Argentine superstar several times, almost helping his side pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history."We have dignified Cape Verde as a national team in most parts of the world," Vozinha said after the defeat. "Today, we fought on an equal footing against Argentina."Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes was among those to praise the veteran goalkeeper, saying: "He's a quality, quality goalkeeper. Probably hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves before this. ... He's a legend in Cape Verdean football."Vozinha's career has largely been built through free transfers. He previously represented clubs including Chaves, AS Trencin, AEL Limassol, Gil Vicente, Zimbru Chisinau and Progresso before becoming a free agent this summer. Despite a reported market value of around €500,000, every move in his professional career has come without a transfer fee.With 92 international appearances since making his Cape Verde debut in 2012, Vozinha now begins a new chapter at Colo Colo, hoping to build on the global recognition he earned with his inspirational World Cup performances.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.