Inter Miami is reportedly interested in signing Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, the 40-year-old World Cup sensation, according to multiple reports citing Spanish outlet Marca. Vozinha became a global phenomenon after his standout performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the MLS club is exploring the possibility of adding the veteran shot-stopper to its roster.
Vozinha is available as a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division side G.D. Chaves expired on June 30, 2026, meaning Inter Miami would not need to pay a transfer fee. According to ESPN and other outlets reporting on Marca’s story, the club is keen to bring the goalkeeper to Miami to play alongside Lionel Messi.
The 40-year-old’s World Cup campaign captured the world’s attention. He recorded a clean sheet against Spain with seven saves and made eight crucial saves against Argentina in the Round of 16, including two stops on Lionel Messi’s free kicks during Cape Verde’s 3-2 extra-time loss. Across four matches, Vozinha made 18 saves with a 78.3% save rate, according to Yahoo Sports.
His performances transformed his global profile dramatically. Vozinha arrived at the World Cup with approximately 50,000 Instagram followers but gained nearly 14 million within 24 hours of the Spain match, according to Yahoo Sports. His social media following now exceeds 23 million, making him the most-followed goalkeeper in the world on the platform.
Inter Miami owner David Beckham has reportedly identified Vozinha as a target, according to Soccer Laduma and other sources. For the MLS club, the signing would represent both a football decision and a brand play—a free-agent goalkeeper with massive social media reach could boost Inter Miami’s global visibility. The club won its first MLS Cup in December 2025 and has been building depth for the 2026 season.
Vozinha has not shied away from expressing his admiration for Messi. After Cape Verde’s loss to Argentina, Vozinha revealed that Messi approached him and said, “You are great. Your people should be proud of you,” according to Yahoo Sports. Vozinha said he then asked to swap shirts, and Messi agreed.
Other clubs have also expressed interest. Brazilian sides Avaí and Atlético Goianiense have reportedly contacted Vozinha’s representatives, with several other Brazilian clubs monitoring the situation, according to Yahoo Sports. However, Vozinha has made his priority clear: he has expressed a longtime desire to play alongside Messi, which Inter Miami could fulfill.
Sources
- Barstool Sports — Reported Inter Miami’s interest in Vozinha, citing Marca; noted his free-agent status and World Cup performances
- Yahoo Sports — Detailed Vozinha’s World Cup stats (18 saves, 78.3% save rate), his Instagram growth trajectory, Messi’s post-match comments, and competing interest from Brazilian clubs
- ESPN — Reported Inter Miami’s interest in Vozinha, citing Marca
- Soccer Laduma — Reported David Beckham’s interest in signing Vozinha
- Marca — Original reporting on Inter Miami’s interest in Vozinha (cited by multiple outlets)
