Mikel and Messi during the U20 world cup
While speaking in an interview with The Guardian
ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Group D Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup clash
against Messi-led Argentina side, Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi,
opened up on his desire to revenge against Messi after losing his Golden
Ball award to him.
Recall that Argentina star, Lionel Messi “stole” the Golden Ball award from Mikel at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in the Netherlands.
Before Nigeria and Argentina went into the final, Mikel was tipped
to be awarded the Golden Ball for his impressive performances, but the
Flying Eagles faced lost 2-1 no thanks to two penalties converted by
Messi.
Reflecting on how he missed out on the Most Valuable Player award, Mikel said; “Yeah, Messi stole the Golden Ball off me.
“Before the game people said that I was going to win the Golden
Ball for being the player of the tournament. But then Messi scored
twice, both of them penalties, Argentina won 2-1 and I got the Silver
Ball. Messi has kept on stealing awards from me!”
Taiwo, Messi and Mikel (winners of 2005 U20 World Cup, gold, silver and bronze awards)
Mikel recalled how the Super Eagles were able to beat Argentina 4-2
in last year’s friendly without Messi, positing the South Americans
always struggle without their talisman.
He said; “A certain human being wasn’t playing (in last year’s
friendly). Actually, is he even a human being? Messi is Messi. He
decides games and the last time we met he scored two against us at the
Brazil World Cup.
“Without him, they are definitely less of a team. We can’t put
all our attention on Messi but he is the man that we need to stop. Do we
have to put somebody to mark him? Maybe yes, maybe no because when you
do that you are playing with less balance.”
The Tianjin Teda midfielder spoke about playing in different
midfield positions during his time at Chelsea and for the Super Eagles.
“I was playing as a No 10 before I went to Chelsea but [José] Mourinho converted me to a holding player.
“I enjoy it. When I was at Chelsea and there was a national
team break, I’d go there and I’d enjoy it. I’d have this one or two
weeks of freedom – to express myself and play the way I want. But at
Chelsea, I did a job.
“We knew we would get them. I said to a friend of mine: ‘Trust
me, Argentina are going to be in the same group as us.’ It’s crazy. I
don’t know why but it keeps happening.”
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