Aer Lingus are receiving huge plaudits as they are flying out Pico Lopes’ family to watch the Cape Verde star play in the World Cup knockouts against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

It’s been an incredible few weeks for the Crumlin native, who’s become a celebrity during this World Cup due to his unique story and the journey Cape Verde have been on. The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, the island nation got through the group stage without defeat, getting results against past winners Spain and Uruguay.

And what awaits them is the biggest challenge facing anyone at this World Cup: Lionel Messi and Argentina.

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Pico Lopes of Cabo Verde celebrates with an Irish flag. Pic: Francois Nel/Getty Images

The little magician has been working wonders for the reigning World Cup holders, scoring 6 goals in the group stage alone as the South American side are looking good to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022.

However, Pico Lopes and Cape Verde have been ruled out time and time again at this World Cup, and they keep proving the doubters wrong. It will be a great occasion in Miami, and the Lopes family will get to be there thanks to Aer Lingus.

Cathal Dervan announced on X that the airline is set to fly the family out to Florida for the Round of 32 matchup, after Pico’s mother, Judy, said she was supposed to return to work as a secretary at Loreto Junior Primary School in Crumlin after Cape Verde’s group stage draw against Saudi Arabia.

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Roberto Lopes of Cape Verde celebrates the qualification to the round of 32. Pic: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images

It was an easy PR move for Aer Lingus as Lopes has been the feel-good story of the tournament, and many fans online were delighted to see that his family will be able to watch the historic match. ‘This is absolutely heartwarming. Nothing beats seeing a family reunited for such a big moment. Enjoy every second of that game!’, one user posted on X.

‘Honestly puts a smile on your face to see how the country is backing him, hon the pico fella’, posted another. ‘Go hiontach!’, posted yet another user as hundreds of comments and posts flooded in.

And lastly, even Pico Lopes himself took to X to thank the airline for making it all happen. ‘Incredible stuff! Can’t thank Aer Lingus enough for their kindness and support.’