Pico has done Ireland proud on World Cup stage as he faces the legendary Messi
Pico Lopes has done Ireland and Cape Verdi proud
Even people who aren't ordinarily sports fans, let alone soccer fans, couldn't help but be taken by the incredible story of Shamrock Rovers centre-back, Roberto 'Pico' Lopes who alongside is Cape Verde team mates has made it through to the knock-out stages of the world's biggest sporting tournament.
Neutrals all around the world have taken to the tiny island nation's team, who in very conceivable sense of the word are the minnows of the tournament.
One of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the World Cup, what the team has already achieved is absolutely astounding and now their next challenge is one that perhaps none of the players in their wildest dreams could have envisaged coming into the competition as they will face the legend that is Lionel Messi and his Argentinian teammates in their next game which will be a winner takes all scenario.
To be fair, at this stage it doesn't really matter what the outcome of that game is because the Cape Verdi team have done themselves proud - and even that is an understatement.
But, it's the World Cup and while most pundits will be of the opinion that Argentina will just be a bridge too far - especially when faced with the challenge that is Messi, one of the most naturally talents footballers of all time - the reality is 'never say never' because on the world's biggest stage anything can happen.
But from an Irish perspective Pico Lopes has not just done his Cape Verdi heritage proud but also his Irish pedigree.
Yes, he's proud of his Cape Verdi ancestry through his dad but he's a very proud Irishman too and the sight of him holding aloft a tri-colour on the pitch following his team's remarkable breakthrough into the knockout stages of the competition was something that invoked immense pride in people here.
The significance of what he's doing cannot be overstated and from a number of fronts.
As an ambassador for two countries - Cape Verde and Ireland - he is a shining light and great role model for young people thousands of miles apart.
The way he conducts himself on and off the pitch is an example to any young sports fan and especially young soccer players. However, he's also shining a light on the domestic soccer scene here in Ireland because he's proving that our own domestic players have the ability to perform at the very pinnacle of the sport against some of the most legendary names and countries to ever play the game.
Unfortunately, we're not there as a nation this time around but anyone who was around to witness them will never forget the feeling in the country during the Euros in '88 and especially during Italia '90 when tri-colours were held proudly aloft for all of the right reasons.
However, while we're not there for this competition there is little doubt the Irish have taken Cape Verdi to heart. Maybe, it's also because we can identify with the small nation making its mark, but in Pico Lopes we have a vested interest in cheering the African nation on.
A Cape Verdean Irishman with a heart of gold - bring on Messi.
