Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi has admitted that playing
against the Super Eagles of Nigeria has always been a difficult
encounter for the Albiceleste, Complete Sports reports.
The Super Eagles and La Albiceleste will cross paths for the fifth time at the World Cup when hostilities kick off in Russia.
Argentina have emerged victorious in in their previous four encounters with Nigeria at the World Cup.
Their last encounter in a friendly game last year saw the Super Eagles come from 2-0 down to wi 4-2.
Messi who has joined up with his teammates as they intensify
preparations for the 2018 World Cup, says Argentina are in a tough
group.
“We have to take it match by match,” Messi said in an interview with Pasión por el Fútbol.
“Starting off with a win is important because it’ll then make
us calmer. It’s not an easy group. Iceland showed in the Euros that they
can go up against anyone.
“Croatia has a very good midfield and if you let them, they’ll
control the ball all match long. They have Spain’s style. And it always
costs us when we play Nigeria.”
The five-time FIFA Best Player award winner hints that he does not
see himself playing for another European club aside Barcelona.
“It becomes more and more clear that Barcelona will be my only
team in Europe. After that, I have always said I want to play football
in Argentina, but I don’t know if it will happen. I have it in mind.
“I’d like to live it, be it for six months or a few matches but
I don’t know. One never knows. My dream was to play for Newell’s as a
kid, going to the matches with my dad, my brothers, friends… after that;
circumstances in life took me elsewhere, but I still have that in
mind.”