Pico Lopes has returned to Ireland after his magical World Cup run with Cape Verde came to an end with a defeat to Argentina on Friday night.

Cape Verde, a country of around 530,000 people, shocked everybody at the World Cup, progressing from a group featuring Spain and Uruguay before pushing reigning world champions Argentina all the way in a thrilling Round of 32 clash.

The tiny African nation fought back to bring themselves level twice before Lionel Messi’s side eventually prevailed 3-2 after extra time, with Cape Verde within touching distance of a major upset.

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Pico Lopes is welcomed by supporters after he arrived at Dublin Airport. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

34-year-old Pico Lopes was widely praised for his performances throughout the tournament, especially in their opening game against Spain and an impressive display against Messi and Argentina.

The Shamrock Rovers man received a hero’s welcome at Dublin Airport on Monday afternoon, as small crowds of friends and family, as well as several Rovers supporters, gathered at the arrivals gate of Terminal 2 to welcome him home.

Pico’s mother, Judie Lopes, said that it was ‘sad that the journey is over’, when speaking to reporters at Dublin Airport, adding: ‘Unfortunately it’s come to an end, but what a journey it’s been. To go out to the current champions and the way they almost took them to penalties, it’s a David and Goliath story.’

Roberto 'Pico' Lopes with his wife Leah, eight-month-old son Diego and his parents Carlos and Judy after he arrived at Dublin Airport today aboard Aer Lingus flight EI 483 from Lisbon. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Pico Lopes with his wife Leah, eight-month-old son Diego, and his parents Carlos and Judy. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Lopes now returns to Shamrock Rovers, who sit seven points clear at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division as they chase another league title, and is expected to rejoin Stephen Bradley’s squad soon.

The Dublin side will be without Pico Lopes for the first test of their European campaign, but manager Stephen Bradley feels his exploits with Cape Verde at the finals will leave a legacy similar to Jack Charlton’s here.

‘What they have achieved will have a knock-on effect in Cape Verde for a long time to come. Similar to when you go back to the Jack Charlton era here, when Ireland qualified, there was a knock-on effect on people,’ Bradley told club media.

‘It’s been incredible. I don’t think people understand- or maybe they do- just what it takes to do that. The whole country was behind Pico, which is really special to see for him and his family.’