I look at these photos I took in Cape Verde, and I can almost hear the laughter and the thud of the ball against the concrete. Children are chasing a football on uneven, dusty streets and pitches that most European kids would deem unplayable. It is just raw passion, bare feet, and a pure, beautiful love for the game.
To me, this World Cup felt very far away at first. Neither Poland nor Ireland qualified for the tournament. Instead of great football, the news is full of politics, Donald Trump, and Gianni Infantino's corrupt-looking smile. To make things worse, the time difference means games are on when I should be sleeping, and the refereeing has been terrible. The tournament felt totally empty.
Then came the Blue Sharks. To me, Cape Verde has brought the only real joy to this World Cup. On the nights they play, I can only imagine the wild celebrations and music on the streets of Mindelo.
It is the perfect underdog story, and beautifully, it connects right back to the League of Ireland. Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes is out there on the world stage. He was born in Ireland to a Cape Verdean father and an Irish mother, choosing to represent his father's heritage.
In Ireland, he is a true legend—the captain and rock of the Shamrock Rovers defense, a player who has led his club to multiple league titles and historic European group stages. Now, he is bringing that same fighting spirit to the global stage.
Now, Pico will have to stop the GOAT—Lionel Messi—and his Argentina - the team I always root for. To me, it will be absolutely fascinating to watch. Seeing an active League of Ireland player step onto the world stage to try and stop Lionel Messi is the ultimate football fairy tale.
I cannot wait for this game. When Pico walks out to face Messi, I know he is playing for those barefoot kids I saw in the villages.
