Cape Verde will present Argentina star Lionel Messi a shirt of their national team with his name on it around the teams' last 32 match at the World Cup, the island state's president, José Maria Neves has said.
"It is a big honour to play against Lionel Messi and the national team of Argentina," Neves told Argentina's Radio Mitre.
Cape Verde coach Bubista said that Messi "is one of the best players in the world but we are playing against a whole team and not just against him."
Cape Verde are the biggest surprise at the World Cup in their debut, reaching the knock-outs unbeaten with draws against European champions Spain (0-0), former champions Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0).
Title holders Argentina are the big favourites but Bubista pledged that "we will play with courage and fight to reach the next round.
"The players should enjoy the match but they should stay focussed and do everything to advance. We know it won't be easy. But we must be courageous and not scared," Bubista said.
