World Cup 2018: I’ve beaten Messi at club level, I hope to do it again today – Obi Mikel

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi has recalled that he had once
beaten Argentina captain, Lionel Messi at club level and that he hopes
to beat him again when Nigeria throws tackles with the La Albiceleste
in their all important last group game on Tuesday.


The match will be played at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
by 7pm (Nigeria)

Mikel and Messi first crossed each other's path in the final of the
FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in 2005 with the Barcelona
superstar lifting the trophy and also best player of the tournament.


Since then, they have met several times at the international and club
levels with the Argentine captain having the upper hand most of the
time.

Mikel who now plays in China and Messi who has spent his carrier at
Barcelona will rekindle their rivalry today when Nigeria and Argentina
battle for a spot in the knock out stages.

The Super Eagles sit in second position in the group with three
points, while Argentina occupy last position with just one point.


"I'm looking forward to it. It's always a pleasure playing against
Messi. I have played against him so many times, be it national team,
be it at club level," Mikel stated during a short video interview
posted on ESPN.

"Once in Chelsea, I managed to come out on top against him. In this
tournament, I hope to do that. I hope the team will come out top
against him."