Argentina captain Lionel Messi arranged free tickets for people unable to afford them during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four members of Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Vozinha's family.
The gesture was revealed after the tournament by Argentine journalist Yanina Latorre. Speaking on El Observador radio station EO 107.9, Latorre said Messi personally bought a large number of tickets throughout the competition to help fans who could not otherwise attend matches.
She said Messi instructed his representatives to secure and pay for the tickets. Among the beneficiaries were relatives of Vozinha, who emerged as one of the breakout stars of Cape Verde's historic World Cup campaign.
According to Latorre, Messi wanted to support those without the financial means to be in the stadiums. The four tickets for Vozinha's family were for the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina faced Spain on July 19.