Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi, has broken silence on the 2018 World Cup draw which pitted Argentina and Nigeria in the same Group D saying the Super Eagles are deadly on a good day.
Nigeria will open the Russia 2018 campaign against Croatia and then Iceland before they take on South American giants, Argentina in their last group game for available two spots to the second round of the mundial.
Messi, who has faced Nigeria at youth and senior levels, pointed out that the three African champions can score plenty of goals if they find their rhythm.
The five-time World Player of the Year, Messi, was excused from the November 20 friendly in Russia, where the Super Eagles came from two goals down to spank La Albiceleste 4-2.
”Nigeria are like that, they have two faces. If they have their day, they score four goals.
”They have very good players it was clear in the second half; but they also allow you to play, they leave gaps and many spaces are generated.
”We played many times against each other, but never talked. Simply a greeting and respect forever,” Messi told TyC Sports on Wednesday.
The 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Messi, has been directly involved in six goals (four goals, two assists) Argentina has scored against the Nigerian teams in five appearances including games at age-grade competitions.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s captain John Obi Mikel voted for Messi in the Best FIFA Football Awards Men’s Player of the Year.
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