Sidny Cabral on Marcelo's message after World Cup golazo

Sidny Cabral got a message from Marcelo after that goal

Sidny Cabral scored a stunner against Argentina in the round of 32, and his phone lit up afterwards. Brazilian legend Marcelo, one of Cabral's idols, sent him a message. "He said he voted for me as the best goal of the tournament," Cabral told ge.globo.com (3). Cabral was in disbelief. "I replied: 'What the hell? Thank you so much!'" He grew up admiring Marcelo's two-footed technique at left-back. The exchange ended with Marcelo telling him: "A pleasure watching you play, you play so well" (3).

Argentina 3–2 Cabo Verde, decided in extra time

Your team pushed the world champions to the limit. The round of 32 match went to extra time, with Argentina breaking through at the 111th minute to win 3–2 (2). Cape Verde's disciplined, counter-attacking game nearly produced a historic upset, but Lionel Messi and Argentina found a way late. Ole noted that African sides kept falling in the final minutes at this World Cup, Cape Verde was one of six eliminated late in knockout matches (2).

Spain faced Cape Verde in the group stage

Cape Verde also met Spain during the group stage, part of a campaign that included Luis de la Fuente's eventual quarter-finalists (4). Spain brought a deep squad, Unai Simón, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams among the names in that tournament squad (4).

World Cup run sparked tourism interest for Cape Verde

The campaign left more than memories. Record reported that Cape Verde's participation in the 2026 World Cup generated a noticeable spike in tourism interest for the islands (1).

Fan reactions

Cape Verde fans on Reddit are framing this run as part of a bigger shift. One thread asked whether this World Cup proved underdogs matter more than superstars, pointing to Cape Verde and Morocco as evidence that smaller nations can genuinely compete at the top level. The consensus: the gap is closing, and it is exciting to watch. Read the discussion here