Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Sidny Lopes Cabral Cape Verde story has become one of the most moving threads of the FIFA World Cup, as the 23-year-old full-back prepares to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the last 32.
The Cape Verde defender has gone from Germany’s fifth tier to the biggest stage in football, carrying the pride of an island nation and a belief that even the smallest chance can be enough.
For more on Cape Verde’s World Cup belief, read Cape Verde vs Argentina: Jose Maria Neves Predicts Famous World Cup Upset, while official tournament updates are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
Interview: The 1% That Became Real
Q: Cape Verde were given little chance of reaching this stage. How did that feel?
“When we saw 1%, we just laughed.”
“They gave us a 1% chance of reaching the next round, but we showed how big 1% is,” the defender says.
Cape Verde’s unbeaten group run, including results against Spain and Uruguay, has made them one of the stories of the tournament.
Facing Lionel Messi
Q: What does it mean to face Argentina and Lionel Messi?
“I hope I get some nice pictures of me standing next to him,” Lopes Cabral says.
“I have no words to describe how I feel, how we all do. Back in Cape Verde, every game there are parties. In the Netherlands, in France, everywhere Cape Verdean people live. In Rotterdam it’s crazy.”
Q: Can players stay calm against Messi?
“Honestly, nobody is overwhelmed. If you’re like ‘oh, it’s Messi’, you’re gonna lose your mind. We’re focusing on our plan, our tactics.”
He added: “Afterwards I can enjoy that I played against him. I hope I get some nice pictures with him.”
Pride, Pain And Racism
Q: What shaped your belief?
“I always told my mother: ‘I will be a professional football player and you won’t have to work. I will do everything for you.’”
Lopes Cabral also spoke about racist abuse in football, including messages he received after a shirt exchange involving Vinícius Júnior.
“There are so many people commenting on my Instagram, messaging me, calling me black, calling me monkey. I had to turn off my phone. It’s so sad.”
Cape Verde’s Spirit
Q: What makes this team different?
“We play games, have fun, dance. If there’s free time, we all go together. We are one family and we’re so happy.”
Q: Who will win the World Cup?
“I hope we are. Cape Verde.”
