bound as 'composed' Pico to take on Messi

As the countdown continues to the Cape Verde match against Argentina tomorrow night, the family of Roberto 'Pico' Lopes from Dublin are returning to the United States after Aer Lingus arranged to fly the family back for the game.

The Shamrock Rovers captain and former mortgage advisor from Crumlin will be defending against superstar Lionel Messi in Miami.

From a 1% chance of progressing in the World Cup, to becoming the tale of the tournament, Cape Verde have captured imaginations in Ireland and internationally.

At the centre of it all has been the Lopes family, whose son was recruited by his father's homeland via a Linkedin message.

The family’s odyssey across America was only supposed to last two weeks.

But now they're returning to the US, courtesy of Aer Lingus, for the game in Florida on Friday.

Family advice

Judie Lopes, Pico Lopes' mother, said she never expected to be at the centre of this football fairytale.

"Pico is his usual calm, confident and composed self, he's well able for these matches," she said.

"He's been performing at the top level for a number of years; he's been to two Afcons [Africa Cup of Nations], he's been to Europe with his team Shamrock Rovers over the last few years in the Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League so it won't faze him at all.

"He’s going to enjoy the challenge and hopefully manages to stop Messi scoring as well".

Carlos Lopes, father of Pico Lopes, said he is proud of his country and his son for all they have achieved so far.

"That was his dream to become a footballer," he said. "He's in the middle of it now. He's still as quiet as he was a young guy. He doesn't panic, he just gets on with the game."

Jacques Lopes outlined his advice for Messi, as he takes on his brother, is to act fast.

"Just to make sure you have the first good touch because it should be a fierce battle in fairness," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it, I think Pico will be looking forward to it as well, testing himself against the best. Hopefully, it's a tough battle, but he can do himself proud."

Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus said the airline was delighted to support the family on their journey.

"I think we're all Cape Verdeans in Aer Lingus for the next couple of days, and hopefully, Pico will do well, and Cape Verde will do well," he said.

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