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Stopping Lionel Messi on the World Cup stage is a formidable challenge for any defense. And that challenge has grown even larger for Cape Verde ahead of their knockout stage encounter with reigning world champions Argentina. However, despite the opposing team boasting a star like Messi, Judy Lopes, mother of Cape Verde’s reliable center-back Roberto ‘Piqué’ Lopes, is not at all worried. Instead, she believes her son is fully prepared to face one of the world’s best players in the biggest match of his career.
Making their debut appearance in the World Cup, the African nation of Cape Verde has truly surprised everyone. The team secured a spot in the last 32 by remaining undefeated in a tough group comprising Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Now, in Miami, they face their toughest test yet – a battle against Argentina. Leading the attack for the South American giants is Lionel Messi, who has already scored six goals in the current tournament.
However, Judy Lopes has no doubts about her son’s confidence. In an interview with British media outlet BBC Sports, she stated, “Pico is not afraid of the opportunity to play against Messi; he is incredibly excited. He is very calm, confident, and knows how to perform at his best under pressure. He doesn’t care what anyone outside is saying.”
Judy also highlighted her son’s experience. She said, “Many people might not know that Lopes has played in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He has defended for nearly a decade for the Irish club Shamrock Rovers. So, there is no reason for him to be afraid in such a match. Instead, he will enjoy this challenge.”
A major foundation of Cape Verde’s success in the current World Cup is their strong defense. They held Spain to a goalless draw in the group stage and conceded only two goals throughout the entire group phase. Alongside 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, Piqué Lopes was one of the key figures in the defense.
Judy, who works as a secretary at a school in Dublin, said she never imagined her son would play in the World Cup, let alone against Messi. With a touch of humor, she remarked, “Perhaps Messi is now watching videos of Pico’s play and thinking about how to break through this defensive wall!”
Although she returned to work after the group stage, Judy has once again flown to the United States with her family to watch the knockout match. Before she left, her school students created a special poster for Piqué. Later, all the players of the Cape Verde team autographed that poster.
Judy acknowledges that Argentina are the clear favorites for the match. However, her belief that surprises are possible at any moment in football remains unshaken.
She stated, “Currently, Cape Verde is the World Cup’s most beloved underdog. On the field, it will be 11 players against 11 players for 90 minutes. I believe our fairy-tale journey will advance another step.”